Tag: local
“No Kings” Protest in Rhode Island
by Mariel Surprenant ’26 on October 23, 2025
News
On Saturday, Oct. 18, thousands of Rhode Islanders gathered at the Rhode Island State House for a “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump. The protest was one of thousands held across the country, at which citizens protested President Trump’s administration and agenda. An estimated 32,000 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the State House on Saturday, sporting inflatable costumes, flags, and signage, causing several street closures and an increased police presence.
The “No Kings” protests sweeping the country were started by the group Indivisible, which describes its mission as “to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.” The name of the demonstration comes from the group’s first mobilization effort on June 14, President Trump’s birthday. The “No Kings” protest was meant to “drown out” President Trump’s birthday parade in Washington, D.C. and send a clear message that protestors were fed up with what they see as President Trump’s authoritarian expansion of executive power.
The Providence protest was the largest “No Kings” protest in the state of Rhode Island. The event was attended by many left-wing activist groups, including the Raging Grannies, the Free Palestine Contingent, the Democratic Socialists of America, and Providence College’s very own Providence Immigrant Rights Coalition. The event was also attended by Rhode Island state Representatives Teresa Tanzi and. David Morales, a democratic socialist running against incumbent Brett Smiley in the 2026 mayoral election.
“Thank you for standing with our immigrant community,” Morales told the crowd. “Thank you for standing with our immigrant neighbors. Together we’re going to demonstrate that Rhode Island is a home for everyone, especially our immigrant brothers, sisters, and non-binary friends.”
At issue included increasing ICE raids across the nation, LGBTQ+ rights, the Russia-Ukraine war, the genocide in Gaza, funding for education and the national parks, the Epstein files, and President Trump’s accusations of fraud, bribery, rape, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Multiple demonstrators sported inflatable animal costumes in solidarity with protestors in Portland, OR, while others wore light yellow as a symbol of hope and nonviolent dissent.
“I’ve never considered myself a political person, but things have gone so far off course that I couldn’t stay silent any longer. Being here today in Providence was both heartbreaking and inspiring—heartbreaking that it’s come to this, but inspiring to see so many people standing up for democracy, decency, and each other,” said Jeanne, a protest participant and resident of Providence.
St. Edward’s: Serving Up Hope in the Wanskuck Neighborhood
by Alex Pittelli ‘26 on October 2, 2025
News
Just a few minutes off campus on Branch Avenue is St. Edward’s Church, a beautiful brick church that stands out within Providence’s Wanskuck neighborhood. Although the church itself is rich with history, the focus will be on the humble building just west of it: the St. Edward Food and Wellness Center, which, for over two decades, has served as a food pantry for the food-insecure residents of Providence’s North End.
I spoke with Father Edward Cardente, who has been the pastor of the church since 2000, on the history of the Food Center. Prior to starting the pantry, Father Ed and volunteers had been serving hot meals to the hungry through St. Anthony Church in North Providence. However, after seeing a news segment on hunger in Providence in February of 2003, Fr. Ed was inspired to start the pantry to expand their mission of addressing food insecurity. He immediately knew something had to be done and put out calls to get to work. On March 26 of that same year, the pantry opened and has since continued to provide food to the community.
Today, the pantry is one of the top five biggest in the state of Rhode Island and provides over 400,000 pounds of food each year to the hungry. Their focus has been on client choice, with options not only for shelf-stable goods, but frozen and fresh food as well. The center is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 5 p.m.-6 p.m., and guests are given a bag to fill with their choice of food. Behind the scenes, the shipment arrives on Tuesday mornings from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, as well as donations from both supermarkets and parish members. Volunteers sort the food and stock the shelves to prepare for the distribution the next day. Over 1,500 families are in their active database and approximately 300 visit the pantry each week. The day I visited, 316 families had come through, each taking with them much-needed food.
The Importance of Save the Bay
by Courtney Wight ’26 on September 25, 2025
Opinion
As a native Albany, New Yorker, I’ve never had the experience of just driving for half an hour and spending time at the beach. I still am not a big beach person (I prefer the lake), but I can appreciate the appeal of living so close to the ocean. During my time at Providence College, I’ve had the privilege of participating in a beach clean-up with the Save The Bay organization.
Save The Bay is an incredibly important organization that works throughout the state of Rhode Island. From their shoreline clean-ups to a variety of educational activities, Save The Bay is creating an atmosphere that acknowledges and cares for the surrounding environment. Save The Bay even runs seal watching tours and operates their own aquarium in Newport. Additionally, this organization amplifies the voices of local communities in Rhode Island as it fights to protect environmental areas from developers and projects that would harm the waters and local wildlife. From supplying small tips on how to be more environmentally conscious regarding lawn care to providing resources for local petitions, Save The Bay plays an incredibly important role in protecting Rhode Island’s coastline and beaches.
Many students at PC, like myself, are not from Rhode Island, and should thus take advantage of all that it has to offer as the Ocean State. Through Save The Bay events, students can see different parts of Rhode Island and experience the beauty of its beaches while also volunteering and helping to keep these lands clean.
Save The Bay clean-ups occur almost weekly in a variety of locations across the state. Students just need to create an account with Save The Bay to have access to all of the clean-ups across the state. Save The Bay provides all of the supplies, including trash bags, gloves, and trash pickers, so students simply have to show up and pick up trash.
While my willingness to spend a Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning picking up trash might be tied to my larger love for the environment, it also feels amazing to participate and be able to physically see how your efforts are improving the coastline. Sometimes we all need a break to experience nature, especially as classes start to pick up. Also, once you finish the clean-up, you’re at the beach! So, try at least once in your four years at PC to grab a friend, pick a beach, and help keep Rhode Island’s beaches clean.
People’s Garden
by Isabelle Camoin ’26 on September 18, 2025
News
A Way Forward Amidst ‘Food Deserts’
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Wanskuck Library debuted the People’s Garden of Wanskuck to the public by holding an opening ceremony. The garden’s development was spearheaded by Denise Brophy, a library manager who has been with Community Libraries of Providence for over a decade. Community Libraries of Providence is the largest library system in the state, formed by community non-profit members in order to save libraries across Rhode Island that were going to be lost due to budget cuts. After the Providence Public School District, the Community Libraries of Providence is the second largest free educational institution in the city.
The People’s Garden currently houses many raised beds of vegetation and herbary throughout the property, along with a wonderful fairy garden, encouraging genuine flourishing throughout the library grounds. There is an array of berries, vegetables, and herbs to enjoy including a structured bed for mushrooming, peach and plum trees, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs like mint, sage, and lemon balm.
The People’s Garden took a village to construct over the past year. Volunteers included friends, neighbors, local veterans, students at Providence College, members of the library, and a partnership with University of Rhode Island (URI)-Master Garden Project. URI-Master Garden Project picked up The People’s Garden as a project in February 2025.
The People’s Garden serves a mission that is multipurposed: educating the community on caring for and better understanding the environment, providing fresh produce to the community, allowing for access to whole foods, bringing together the neighborhood through a benevolent common cause, and supporting backyard gardens. The initiative is a part of an ongoing restorative project of public library grounds in the North End of Providence. A part of the mission involves programming and workshops to educate members of all ages in the community on how to garden and about native species local to Rhode Island in an attempt to sustain and grow our local ecosystem.
The ultimate goal is to grow a healthier community in nutrition and connection. Amidst a world focused on mass production, outsourcing local agriculture, the opportunity to learn important lessons on local ecology and how to tend to a sustainable garden has been limited.
The People’s Garden demonstrates a hopeful and accessible solution to bridge the community through ecological education. This solution utilizes generosity, education service, care, and hard work. Wanskuck Library has embraced these qualities to provide for the community through its volunteers and staff, including Brophy.
Although she is deemed the title of librarian, it may be more fitting to refer to her as a gold star example of what it means to be a good neighbor. Brophy is a light of hope in the community of Providence, modeling hard work in service for the community and its humanity. She will tell you all about the People’s Garden and the work that has been done to create it with a contagious smile on her face. Brophy cares about providing for the community in a sustainable way and believes in the People’s Garden as a bridge for the community.
The People’s Garden at Wanskuck Library is within a 15-minute walk from campus and is still filled with many service opportunities, whether it be simply acting with members of the community to tend to the garden or volunteering to construct more raised beds. Educational programming is offered to the public, and all students at PC who are interested in the initiative or gardening skills are welcome to attend. If you are simply looking for inspiration on a sustainable way to contribute to the community and engage in the outdoors, the People’s Garden is worth a visit and Brophy is a wonderful woman to connect with.
“Together, we will care for plants and grow food. We will enjoy fruit from our trees and berries from our bushes. We will share fresh vegetables and herbs from our raised beds, and recognize the importance of pollination gardens in attracting bees and butterflies that support all efforts. We will learn about plants native to Rhode Island and New England, which support our ecosystem,” said a representative for the People’s Garden of Wanskuck Library.
Fall Festival in North Providence
by Janet Newman ’27 on September 18, 2025
A&E - Music
Fall in New England is one of the beautiful times of the year and the best season in the region according to many. It provides the perfect weather to enjoy time outside and take in the atmospheric scenery. Providence has many fall festivals that offer seasonal fun and hosts events from Oktoberfest to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo. More notably, Providence is holding its 4th Annual Fall Festival this Saturday, Sept. 20 in the Jewelry District.
The Fall Festival takes place on Richmond Street from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission. During this event, there will be live music from Rory and the Blue Hounds and Lisa Bello, along with over 30 local vendors, where one can find treasures and support small businesses.
Amidst the live bands bringing the energy and tunes all day long, there will also be delicious food and various kids’ activities. Some of these activities will include face painting, balloons, and costumed characters for magical meet-and-greets.
Throughout the Fall Festival, there will be surprises, community fun, and a whole lot more! So grab your friends and take in the spirit of fall. The Jewelry District is the place to be this September!
While many still refer to this area as the Jewelry District, it is also widely known as the Innovation District. Located on the southeast side of downtown, adjacent to I-95 and the Providence River, it has long since evolved into a modern center for innovation as a result of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and parts of the Johnson and Wales University campus. Its walkability and accessible public transportation only add to the district’s modernization.
The 4th Annual Fall Festival, hosted by The District, The Tiny Bar, Xaco Taco, Somo, Seven Stars, Nick-A-Nees, and Jarit, is without a doubt the perfect New England fall activity. I hope that many will take advantage of the seasonal fun!
Empowering the Next Generation of Young Black Girls: Dr. Smith-Purviance Begins Black Girl Magic Program
by The Cowl Editor on February 11, 2021
News
Photo courtesy of Dr. Ashley Smith-Purviance.
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
This article is part of The Cowl’s Listening Tour, a series that aims to amplify the voices of BIPOC members of our community and bring awareness to social justice initiatives on campus.
When Dr. Ashley Smith-Purviance, assistant professor of Black studies and of public and community service studies, came to Providence College this year, she knew she wanted to begin a community outreach program for young Black girls in the Providence community. With the help of a $15,000 grant from the Nellie May Educational Foundation, she was able to begin her Black Girl Magic program at PC, giving PC students the opportunity to mentor Black girls in middle school.
Before coming to PC in 2020, Smith-Purviance was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she taught educational policy studies and gender and women studies courses and received her doctorate. During her time in school, Smith-Purviance realized that she had a strong desire to help young Black students, specifically girls and young women. It was in Madison, WI that Smith-Purviance began her first Black Girl Magic program.
Similar to the program she began in Wisconsin, the Black Girl Magic program at PC is an after-school program in which Black middle school girls meet with four PC students who act as mentors to the girls. During these meetings, the girls engage in a variety of ice-breakers, crafts, and other activities, said Brittney Smith ’22, a marketing major and Black studies minor, who is one of this year’s mentors.
“We try to tie in small lessons or things for the girls to think about while still keeping it fun and engaging,” said Smith.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Girl Magic program has been held virtually so far. While there have been challenges engaging with the girls sometimes over Zoom, Smith-Purviance and the mentors try their best to make the girls comfortable. They noted how many of the girls do not put their cameras on during the meetings, but Smith-Purviance and the mentors want to emphasize that they are beautiful just as they are and try to grow confidence within them.
Smith found out about the program when she received the email from the Black studies program about becoming a mentor and part of the program. She immediately knew she wanted to get involved. “I’m just so happy a program like this is here,” said Smith. As a Black student at PC, she noted, “There was no way I could be here and sit out on this.”
She hopes that a program like this will also help build a stronger connection between PC and the greater Providence communities. “There are people on this campus that are dedicated to seeing PC grow and give back to the community,” Smith said, and she hopes a program like this will exemplify that idea.
The other mentors include Kim Hussey ’24, Jennifer Merandisse ’24, and Brianna Harper ’22. Along with Smith, these four women have been mentors since the program’s founding in November and plan on continuing to work with the middle school girls throughout this semester.
When asked why she became part of the program, Harper responded, “I got involved because I believe it’s important to teach young Black girls the positives of being Black.” She continued, “We want to make sure they understand Black is beautiful!”
As mentioned, the current virtual platform for the program has made building connections with some of the girls more difficult, but they are all working towards making the girls more comfortable with each meeting. “Not all the girls know each other yet,” said Hussey. “It can be scary talking to college kids in front of other kids in your school, and we understand why they are nervous.” Smith noted that while she knows many of the girls are uncomfortable, she wants them to learn and know that they can turn to any of the mentors, including herself, for help and support.
Right now, the program consists of over a dozen middle school girls from Gilbert Stuart Middle School in Providence, but Smith-Purviance is currently working towards expanding the program to more local middle schools.
Smith-Purviance also hopes that the current and future mentors will use their experience in the program to make it their own and carry the lessons they learn with them in the future. She looks forward to working with the current mentors, as well as bringing new mentors into the program.
Not only does Smith-Purviance want the mentors and young girls in her program to learn from this experience, but she also wants to spread this entrepreneurial spirit to all PC students. Beginning next fall, Smith-Purviance plans on teaching a class focused on creating programs that build community relations through the lens of Black girlhood and appropriately and properly working with students of color.
Both Smith-Purviance and the current mentors of the Black Girl Magic program have high hopes for the future of the program at PC and hope that it will continue to build in the years to come.
Students Encouraged to Shop Locally: BOP Holds Friar Flea Market
by The Cowl Editor on April 11, 2019
News
by Matthew Mazzella ’20
News Staff
In what was an action-packed weekend for the Providence College Board of Programmers (BOP), the Social Committee hosted its second annual “Friar Flea” in the Slavin Atrium this past Friday, April 5 from 2-5 p.m.
The event, which was organized by BOP, brought vendors from across the New England area for students to sample and shop.
The leader of this event was Corrie Traverse ’20, who has run the event for two years now. Traverse shared her excitement about the event and was very pleased with the way it turned out this year.
When asked about the flea market, Traverse explained, “My goal was to get as many local vendors and artisans to campus to give students a sample of what is available locally. I was so happy with the way it turned out and going forward I’m hoping for next year to even bring in some of our own talented PC students to sell their own products!”
There was a great variety of vendors this year, including Augusta Street Kitchen, Frey Florist, Colonel’s Collectables, Skvngr’s Hoard Jewelry, Good Fibes, and a Friar favorite, Nitro Cart, a local nitrogen coffee company in Providence.
With such great companies coming to campus, there was a big turnout of Friars who came out and enjoyed the opportunity to shop for such unique items.
Traverse was very satisfied with the number of students who came by to experience the event and considers the market a huge success.
Matthew Williams ’22 was a huge fan of the event and took full advantage of the great vendors on campus. Williams spoke about his experience, stating, “As a freshman, I look to participate in a lot of campus sponsored events. It was great to see all the local companies that came to campus. My favorite part was getting lunch from Augusta Street Kitchen. The food was amazing. What a way to start off the weekend!”
The event was not only a big hit, but it has solidified its place in Friartown for years to come. The hope now is to get more PC students involved as vendors, selling some of their own creative pieces at events in the coming years.
This event gave students a taste of some of the hidden gems in the area, encouraging students to venture off campus and take advantage of the various shops Providence and the surrounding New England businesses have to offer.