Rhode Island Latino Arts has joined the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism (AC+T), the Providence Warwick Convention Visitors Bureau, City Walk and the Mayor’s Office to work towards the development of a Latino Cultural Corridor in the City of Providence. Other partners include Quisqueya en Acción, Operación Calle Limpia and the Latino Business Association.

RILA and community collaborators will work to strengthen relationships with neighborhood residents, organizations and business owners with the goal of preserving, enhancing and advocating for Latino cultural vitality and community growth along Broad Street, known to many Latinos as La Broa’

We envision an economically vibrant community that is made up of diverse income households and businesses that together preserve and embrace the unique Latino heritage and cultures of La Broa’ through the celebration of Latino cultural events, foods, businesses, activities and the arts.

As part of this initiative, RILA’s award winning Nuestras Raíces — Latino History of Rhode Island project will continue documenting and collecting the history of the Latino community through the voices of residents and businesses owners on Broad Street.

A historic walking tour of Lower Broad Street, which will feature Fefa’s Market, the first Latino business in Rhode Island, is scheduled for Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 12-2PM. For more information and to participate in the walking tour, go here ➤

Marta V. Martínez, RILA’s Executive Director and Project Director of Nuestras Raíces will also give a talk on Fefa’s Market and the history of the Latin American corner grocery, also known as a bodega. Today, there are over 18 bodegas all along Broad Street. The talk will take place on Wednesday, May 17 at the Providence Public Library from 6:30-7:30PM. Click here for more ➤