THREE-TIME RHODE ISLAND ELECTED STATE REPRESENTATIVE MARCIA RANGLIN –VASSELL IS NOT AFRAID TO DECLARE “IS JAMAICA ME COME FROM” OR TO ADMIT THAT SHE GREW UP IS A 2-ROOM BOARD HOUSE AT ELEVEN MILES BULL BAY IN ST.ANDREW JAMAICA .
In the midst of conflicting emotions experienced by Jamaicans – elation at the Biden-Harris victory in the US Presidential election on the one hand, and dismay and disappointment that VP-elect Kamala Harris did not openly acknowledge her Jamaican heritage in her victory speech – many other notable successes by Jamaicans in those recent elections have gone unnoticed and unheralded.
One such success is Marcia Ranglin-Vassell whose remarkable story in winning election to the Rhode Island House of Representatives was first profiled by Jamaicaglobalonline.com back in November 2018.
IS JAMAICA ME COME FROM: ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY FROM POVERTY IN JAMAICA TO POWER IN AMERICA.
Ironically, the equally uplifting and hopeful profile of Kamala Harris’s Jamaican Heritage was also published two months earlier in September 2018 as Jamaicaglobalonline.com boldly began to track what we saw then as her inexorable journey to the White House.
Marcia Ranglin-Vassell clearly has neither the national profile nor the star quality of a Kamala Harris. However, what she lacks in these optics, she more than makes up for in her proven commitment to her Rhode Island constituents; to her community of 11 Miles Bull Bay she left 30 years ago and to a Jamaica that she has never forgotton, or failed to acknowledge and give credit. She has never disappointed or ignored the Jamaican people . “My hometown and its people, particularly the children are close to my heart” she tells Jamaicaglobalonline.com. “ They will always have an advocate in me.” And its not just words; it may be recalled that earlier this year the community of 11 Miles Bull Bay was placed under quarantine because of a surge in covid-19 cases. Marcia, with the help of her sister Valrie, raised almost J$500,000 and partnered with the local church to distribute emergency food, hygiene products and water directly to homes of community members. Back in Rhode Island Marcia was instrumental in securing living accommodation for three of her fellow Jamaican students who were attending Johnson and Wales University, and this enabled them to remain in the US and continue their studies.
Speaking about her performance in the 2020 election Marcia says:
“I won the election because my neighbours trust my steadfast work ethic as well as my honesty, integrity and transparency. I am honoured to be their voice at the State House.”
But it was not an easy road for Marcia. Her mother who had been her senior campaign adviser for the past four years passed away on her 92nd birthday and was actually laid to rest four days before the election. In spite of this Marcia won re-election with a whopping 74% of the votes, despite a record number of Republican voters who turned out to vote.
Commenting on the changed political and social environment in Rhode Island, Marcia is of the view that The Black Lives matter Movement has laid bare the systemic racism that lies at the core of the American social, racial, political and economic system.” She revealed that for the first time, voters have elected an increased number of people of colour to the Rhode Island General Assembly and expresses pride in the mentorship role she played in supporting first-time candidates in the recent election cycle.
Asked for her reaction to the Biden/Harris victor, she said:
“I am over the moon excited for a Biden/Harris Presidency.
To have a Black woman of Jamaican and Asian descent as Vice-
President fills me with immeasurable joy. The implications for
Black and Brown people as well as other marginalized groups are
Monumental.” She continues:
“ As a teacher , I am grateful that we will have an advocate in
Dr Jill Biden. I believe she will work on rescuing public schools.
I also think that nationally, State and at local levels it is very
important that Black women be placed in leadership roles. Why?
When Black women lead, we take everyone with us.”
In the new legislative term, Marcia is determined to continue her fight for a $15 Living Wage, ending out of school suspensions that disproportionately affect Black children, special education services for Black and Brown children, the introduction of policies to curb gun violence and to promote investments in small business development.
Its women like Marcia Ranglin-Vassell who could make a real difference as part of a Biden/Harris Administration.
