PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The Rhode Island Black Business Association celebrated its new headquarters with a ribbon cutting Tuesday morning.
The association was joined by federal leaders, local leaders and community partners to celebrate the new space.
According to RIBBA, the new headquarters located on Smith Street will also be serving as an Equity Business Hub for local small businesses.
RIBBA officials said that various groups and partners helped fund RIBBA’s program, including a $1 million federal earmark from U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and a $500,000 earmark from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse to help acquire the property.
Reed said that Rhode Island is growing economically, and that RIBBA plays a role in making sure this growth is shared by everyone.
“That’s what is so critical about this organization. You’re going to reach out, give help, advice, assistance, to talent people who will move this state and this country forward,” Reed said.
President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation David Cicilline said highlighted the importance of organizations like RIBBA.
“There is no way we’re going to achieve the prosperity we want from our state without focusing on generations of inequities that affected the communities of color, particularly Black businesses. So this is a tremendous opportunity should be a call to action for all of us to do our part,” he said.
