Madam Clerk, anyone sign up for the citizens forum?

No, they have not.

Okay.

All right.

So before we get into the agenda tonight, myself and uh Councilor Pinnock and the rest of the city council have some citation recognizing community members for Black History Month.

We have a proclamation and some citations, and then we have a special gift as well.

So, Councilor Pinnock, I'll turn it over to you.

Thank you very much.

And when we call your name for the citation, if you will please come up to the podium to accept your citation and then stand there so we can have a group photo at the end as well.

And I'm gonna do it from the thank you for being here, everybody.

So nice to see so many faces.

Appreciate it.

So this is the City of Newport proclamation, whereas Black History Month was created in 1926 by Carter G.

Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History to highlight the contributions and accomplishments made to the history of our country.

The year 2026 marks 100 years of national commemorations of Black history.

And during the month of February, the nation takes pause to reflect on the struggles fought and overcome by African Americans throughout our nation's history.

And we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual, political development.

And whereas the centennial theme of Black History Month calls upon the nation and the world to explore the meaning and impact of Black History commemorations in transforming the status, self-understanding and lived experiences of Black peoples in the modern world.

And whereas in the year that also commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States independence, it is especially vital to tell an inclusive and accurate history, one that acknowledges the indispensable contributions, struggles, and leadership of black Americans, and to recognize that black history's value lies not solely in its inclusion within mainstream narratives, but in its deep resonance within the lives and experiences of black people themselves.

And whereas persons of African heritage have lived, worked, and worshipped in Newport since the mid-17th century, Newport is home to God's Little Acre, America's oldest and largest cemetery for African Americans, and represents one of the nation's most independent historic sites.

Now, therefore be it resolved that Charles Holder, mayor of the City of Newport in the state of Rhode Island, do hereby proclaim the month of February as Black History Month.

In the city of Newport, and the city shall display the Black History flag from the mayor's balcony at City Hall during the month of February 2026 to encourage celebrations of the diverse heritage and cultural and culture of our residents.

It witnessed there whereof Charlie have hereon to set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Newport to be affixed this 25th day of February in the year of our Lord 2026.

So all of you wonderful people presented me with the bio that I asked for because not only do I need to know your accomplishments, and I feel like I do, but all of our residents here in Newport also need to know them.

So this very first one.

So I'm gonna read your bio and ask you to come and stand up to my left, please.

She's just 18 years old.

I've had the pleasure of knowing her her entire life and working with her at Fab Newport at Cross Point Church and a variety of other places.

She's so young to have so much wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

And if you know her, you know what a gift she is.

So this is for Gianna Michelle.

I am an 18-year-old community leader.

I am an 18-year.

I am an 18-year-old community leader committed to service leadership and youth empowerment.

Since earning my babysitting certification at age 11, I have provided child care for families within my church and my local community.

And if any of you have kids and have ever needed child care, then you know exactly what a gift that is to have someone reliable and dependable showing up for your children.

My dedication to giving back extends beyond caregiving.

I have actively participated in numerous community events, toy drives, and service initiatives through my youth.

I have been involved in student councils since fourth grade and probably served and proudly served as class president during my sophomore year at Rogers High School.

During my time here, I have helped plan and execute the school's first Black History Month celebration and helped found the DRC, working to create inclusive spaces within the school community.

Gianna's commitment to leadership and service was recognized because she was named Youth of the Year for Newport County and received recognition from the state.

Gian has also participated in summer camps and internships with Bab Newport and continues to stay involved through their after school program Heart Club.

In addition, Gianna has volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, has supported youth in development and in mentorship.

And with every opportunity, Gianna strives with compassion, initiative, and laughter, of course, and singing.

Oh, yeah.

Her community is her heart and a place where she feels the most home.

Yes.

So we will take a group photo at the very end.

And to prove that the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree, the next one coming up is actually Gianna's mother, Letitia Michelle.

Letitia has been a source of guidance, light, and love in my life since we were in kindergarten.

So today we recognize Letitia Michelle.

She's a trailblazon birth worker, advocate and community leader from Newport, Rhode Island, founder of Ready Set Latch Go, a Rhode Island Certified Perinatal Doula, certified certified lactation consultant and maternal health and child specialist.

Letia has profoundly impacted families across the state.

She is the first black Rhode Island certified perinatal doula.

And the first doula in the state to successively submit an insurance claim following the Rhode Island Doula bill in 2022, paving the way for equitable access to care for Medicaid eligible families.

Letitia is a strong advocate for black maternal and infant health.

She has led workforce development initiatives in lactation education and serves as co-chair of the Rhode Island Strategic Breastfeeding Plan and member of the Rhode Island Maternal Mental Health Task Force.

Advanced statewide policy and systems change, centered on equity, dignity, and community voice.

Letitia's work is deeply personal and generational.

She supported her first birth at 13 and later served as a dual for that mother and her daughter.