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Rhode Island Pride marks 50th year as early marcher recalls Providence’s first parade

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Rhode Island Pride marks 50th year as early marcher recalls Providence’s first parade


While Rhode Island prepares for its 50th Pride celebration, many are looking back on the history of the event and remembering the people who launched the movement.

“Being in the first parade in 1976, it was the bicentennial year,” said Billy Mencer Ackerly. “It was absolutely very scary and we didn’t know what was going to happen.”

Mencer Ackerly was among a group of between 70 and 100 people who marched in Providence’s first pride parade in June of 1976, at the time of the nation’s bicentennial celebration.

“People on the sidelines were still looking at us like we just came off of a spaceship,” Mencer Ackerly said. “It was almost like they didn’t believe that we would have enough courage to be able to say who we were.”

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Billy Mencer Ackerly was among a group of between 70 and 100 people who marched in Providence’s first pride parade in June of 1976, at the time of the nation’s bicentennial celebration. (WJAR)

For some, it was a chance to come out and be seen. For others, like Billy’s family members who took part in the parade, it was an opportunity to show their support.

“My mother was in a car with two other mothers, and it was driven by a gay guy. And on each side of the car it said, ‘I’m proud to say my child is gay,’” Mencer Ackerly said. “It was the best thing my mother ever did for me.”

But the parade itself was almost shut down before it began.

“They were denied the parade by the police chief who said there would be no parade in providence over his dead body,” retired judge and former civil rights attorney Stephen Fortunato said.

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First, the bicentennial commission rejected a proposal to include the pride parade in the bicentennial celebrations.

“They can be gay. I have no qualms about their activity or their private habits. We denied endorsement primarily because their activities do not sufficiently relate to the bicentennial,” said Patrick Conley in 1976. He was the Chairman of the Bicentennial Commission at the time.

Stephen Fortunato, who was a civil rights attorney at the time, took on the case.

“This group was ostracized, hated, discriminated against,” Fortunato said. “These civil rights and civil liberties cases depend on the courage of individual people or groups of people like the gay community at the time.”

Billy Mencer Ackerly's mother, among other mothers, were in a car that read 'I'm proud to say my child is gay' during the first parade.

Billy Mencer Ackerly’s mother, among other mothers, were in a car that read ‘I’m proud to say my child is gay’ during the first parade.

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They took the case to federal court and won, paving the way for not just one parade, but five decades of love, acceptance and visibility.

“This movement is based on love,” said Rodney Davis, the current president of Rhode Island Pride. “I want people to come and experience themselves. Their whole selves, who they are.”

This year, organizers are honoring those who came before as well as the tens of thousands of people who show up every year to continue to carry the torch.

“Our theme for this year is ‘We are the people,’ because without everyone America isn’t America,” Davis said.

NBC 10 asked Davis what he hopes to see in the future.

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“I want to get to a point where we don’t have to fight to exist,” Davis said. “It’s gotten better, but it’s not there yet.”

Since 1976, Mencer Ackerly has attended Rhode Island’s Pride celebration nearly every year. This coming weekend, he’s once again looking forward to participating.

“When I’m in the parade, I will also be thinking of all those ’76ers that have passed away over the years and about their bravery and their courage,” Mencer Ackerly said. “And I just believe they’ll be clapping up in heaven and celebrating for all of us.”

This year’s PrideFest kicks off Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. at District Park in Providence.



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RISP Warwick Arrests July 10: Threatening Officials, DUI – WarwickPost.com

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RISP Warwick Arrests July 10: Threatening Officials, DUI – WarwickPost.com


RI Trooper Log arrests, including Warwick arrests. The Rhode Island State Police are stationed in several barracks throughout Rhode Island.
RI Trooper Log arrests, including Warwick arrests. The Rhode Island State Police are stationed in several barracks throughout Rhode Island.

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WARWICK, RI — RI State Police Warwick arrests in the area July 4 – 11 in the RI Trooper Log  included charges for DUI and threatening public officials.

Here are the basics on those RI State Police RI Trooper Log Warwick arrests:

 

 

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RI Trooper Warwick Arrests July 4 – 11

Erratic Driver Reports, DUI On Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 10:03 p.m., troopers arrested Adrian King, 58, 78 Potters Avenue, Rhode Island, for 1.) Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor and/or Drugs – B.A.C .15 or Greater – Second Offense (Phase I: 0.292, Phase II: 0.272). This arrest was the result of multiple calls to the Barracks reporting an erratic operator, and Troopers locating the vehicle on East Avenue in the City of Warwick.

The subject was transported to the State Police Wickford Barracks, where he was processed, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace, and released with a notice to appear in Third District Court.

Stolen Vehicle On July 5 members of the Auto Theft Task Force arrested David O’Donnell, age 37, of 112 Harrington Ave., Warwick, Rhode Island, for 1) Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle; 2) Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle; 3) Conspiracy to Possess a Stolen Motor Vehicle; 4) Conspiracy to Commit a Crime Out of State.

O’Donnell was transported to the Wickford Barracks where he was processed then turned over to the Adult Correctional Institution Intake Center pending arraignment at Second Division District Court.

Threatening Public Official On Wednesday, July 8, at 9:27 p.m., troopers arrested Christopher Brum, 27, of 43 Junction St., Warwick, Rhode Island, on an Affidavit and Arrest Warrant for 1.) Threats to Public Officials and 2.) Disorderly Conduct originating out of the Rhode Island State Police Scituate Barracks.

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This arrest was the result of a barracks investigation by Trooper Downing and Troopers locating Brum at his residence. Brum was processed at Rhode Island State Police Headquarters and held overnight pending arraignment at the Third Division District Court.

Driving without license On Friday, July 10 at 1:30 a.m., troopers arrested Victor Perez Escobar, 37 of 83 Judith Road, Newton, Massachusetts for 1.) Driving after Denial/Revocation/ Suspension – Certain Violations – First Offense. One of several Warwick arrests, this arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Route 95 in the City of Warwick.

The subject was transported to the State Police – Wickford Barracks where he was processed and held overnight pending morning arraignment at Third District Court where he will be presented as a bail violator.

DUI, Centerville Road stop At 2:16 a.m. July 11, troopers arrested Calvin Hebert, 23, of 211 John Potter Road, West Greenwich, Rhode Island, for 1.) Driving Under the Influence of Liquor – BAC Unknown – First Offense and 2.) Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test – First Offense.

The arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Centerville Road, in the City of Warwick. The subject was transported to the State Police – Wickford Barracks, where he was processed, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace, and released with a future Third Division District Court date.

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How Federal Hill became Rhode Island’s iconic Little Italy food hub

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How Federal Hill became Rhode Island’s iconic Little Italy food hub


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  • Federal Hill’s Italian culinary reputation developed gradually, starting in the early 20th century with establishments like Marconi’s Restaurant (1914) and Scialo Bros. Bakery (1916).
  • The influx of Italian immigrants, primarily from Naples, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries shaped the neighborhood’s culinary identity.
  • Federal Hill’s historical significance as a hub for Italian food has been recognized nationally, with recent accolades from publications like National Geographic and Travel & Leisure.

How did Federal Hill gain its reputation for Italian food? 

Start with a look at a timeline of restaurants and markets in Providence and you’ll get it.

1914: Camille’s is opened at 174 Atwells Ave. by Pasquale Parolisi as Marconi’s Restaurant. It moves to its current space in a small part of a mansion on Bradford Street in 1919. In 1952, it is renamed Camille’s Roman Gardens by Jack Parolisi in honor of his wife.

1916: Brothers Luigi and Gaetano open Scialo Bros. Bakery on Federal Hill. Gaetano returned to Italy in 1925, and Luigi ran it until his death at 103 in 1993 when daughters Carol Gaeta and Lois Ellis began to run the bakery. New owners took over in 2021.

1922: Giuseppe DeGiulio and his wife, Maria, open Joe’s Acorn Market on Atwells Avenue. Their sons, Joseph, Gerald and John DeGiulio, retired the business in 2002.

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1924: Angelo Mastrodicasa opens Angelo’s Civita Farnese on Federal Hill. Angelo’s begins as a lunchroom frequented by men who immigrated from Italy and are working to earn enough to bring their families over. The restaurant is now operated by Jamie Antignano, fourth generation.

1952: Tony’s Colonial begins selling imported and domestic Italian foods on Federal Hill in Providence. Tony and Elina “Gina” DiCicco have been running it since 1969.

1953: Caserta’s Pizza opens on Spruce Street. They made a name with the “Wimpy Skippy,” more than a spinach pie.

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1955: Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen opens on Federal Hill. It’s run by Joe and then son Sal Marzilli until 2025.

1972: Alan Costantino buys Venda Ravioli. It quadruples in size as a food emporium when it moves to its current location at 275 Atwells Ave. in 2001.

Antonelli’s Poultry on DePasquale Plaza is said to have opened in the late 19th century. What’s certain is that Christopher Morris ran Antonelli’s beginning in 1969 until his death in 2024.

Historic Federal Hill

It’s hard to believe that Federal Hill was used mainly for grazing cattle until the 1820s. But that’s the history. It was only in the mid-1800s that it became home to many of Providence’s artisans and working class. A wave of Irish immigrants moved into Federal Hill in the 1840s.

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But as Italian immigrants began to arrive in large numbers in the 1880s, the neighborhood took on a different flavor.

All things Italian became the main attraction.

Federal Hill attracts shoppers from all over the state

Joan Nathan is a Providence native and a groundbreaking writer who links food with culture and has won the biggest prizes for culinary writing, especially about Jewish foods. She recounted the appeal of Federal Hill from her youth.

Nathan, 82, recalls her father taking her shopping on Federal Hill, where the foods were exotic to her. Stores sold freshly made mozzarella, homemade clam sauces, linguine and cookies. Sausage would hang from the rafters and olives were sold out of barrels.  

People came from all over the state to shop on Federal Hill, she said.

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Years later, in 1984, Nathan wrote “An American Folklife Cookbook” and returned to Federal Hill for research. One chapter featured the DeGiulio family, who were the owners of Joe’s Acorn Market in Providence. Their family history as butchers went back 700 years in Italy. They brought that to Providence.

They weren’t alone.

Many Italian immigrants arriving in the late 1800s and early 1900s, brought their skills as bakers and their cooking skills along with their favorite foods. Most came from Campania, the region that includes Naples. They brought their local Italian cooking, mostly Neapolitan, with accents from Sicily, Calabria, Puglia and Abruzzi. 

As they settled on Federal Hill, they opened cafés and markets. Maybe they started with a pushcart. Eventually, restaurants followed, many of them.

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A wave of them opened in the 1980s, building on a 20-year period of growth. They included The Grotto Azzura, later the Blue Grotto (1980); Roma (1983); Plaza Grille (1987); Cassarino’s (1988); Andino’s (1989); and L’Epicureo, which added table service to Joe’s Quality Market (1991).

In the news

The world noticed. Mary Ann Esposito filmed segments of her long-running “Ciao Italia” on Federal Hill in 1989. Bobby Flay arrived in 2001 to film “FoodNation” for the Food Network.

National Geographic just named Federal Hill as one of the eight best Little Italy neighborhoods in the United States, along with those in Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Philadelphia and Cleveland.

Two years ago, Travel & Leisure reported on the most authentic Little Italys, placing Federal Hill at No. 3 behind Boston’s North End and San Diego.

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Spoiler: It’s all about the food.

Editor’s note: This story was first published in June 2025.



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How did Jake Bauer win the 2026 State Amateur? With an all-time comeback

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How did Jake Bauer win the 2026 State Amateur? With an all-time comeback


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SEEKONK, MA – If given a choice, Jake Bauer would have traveled a different road. 

Friday felt like nothing but potholes and lane closures until the afternoon conclusion at Ledgemont Country Club. It was far from an uneventful ride. 

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The destination was something he’s chased for nearly a decade – a second crown at the 121st Amateur Championship – one that came thanks to a sensational rally past Tyler Cooke. 

Bauer’s three straight birdies to start what proved to be his final five holes of the week allowed him to catch and pass Cooke. A sizeable morning deficit was gone in the 36-hole match play title round, and Bauer was suddenly on his way to a 2 and 1 triumph. 

“For any golfers out there – cash games, junior golfers – don’t do it,” Bauer said. “It’s not fun. But if you do pull through, it’s a really, really cool story to say you did it.” 

Cooke was 6 up after the opening morning nine and looked at times like he would cruise to his first championship. Bauer started applying pressure with an immaculate second nine holes and continued to push until finally breaking through. His curling uphill birdie putt at the par-3 15th – the 33rd hole of the match – found the cup to give Bauer a lead he never relinquished. 

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“I don’t even know what just happened on the last six or seven holes,” Bauer said. “You sort of just black out. I’m speechless.” 

Bauer added a par at the 16th to go 2 up and only needed to halve either of the remaining two holes with Cooke to get the job done. Each made bogey at the uphill par-4 17th, with Bauer lagging his par putt to within inches. Cooke conceded the final stroke, and Bauer was able to take a deep breath while hugging his father and caddie, Jim. 

“My dad was really good,” Bauer said. “He doesn’t really get too technical with me. He’s a very calm soul to have on the bag.” 

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Bauer needed every bit of that even temperament to survive the early stages. Cooke collected seven birdies through his first 23 holes, the last coming at the par-4 fifth. That gave him a 3-up lead, and he was able to remain in front until Bauer buried clutch putts at the par-4 13th, the par-4 14th and the 187-yard downhill tester. 

“[The birdie putt] definitely had some speed,” Bauer said. “I think if that didn’t go in we would have probably been on 18 or in extra holes.” 

Bauer carded five bogeys on his opening nine before a solid birdie at the par-4 10th gave him a first taste of momentum. He racked up seven pars and another birdie at the par-4 18th before entering the lunch break just 2 down. It was a similar charge to the one Bauer made in the quarterfinals, as he won five of the last six holes to edge Jason Kalin, 1 up. 

“I performed really well this whole week in stroke play and other matches,” Bauer said. “I said if I just stick to that same game plan I will end up on top.” 

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Cooke battled his way into the match play bracket after an opening 76 in Monday’s steady rain. He rebounded with a 73 under more precipitation Tuesday and immediately produced an upset by knocking out No. 4 seed Sam Powell. Cooke has been a steady winner since an All-State career at Toll Gate and college tenure at Connecticut, including a record five titles at the Four-Ball Championship with brother-in-law Bobby Leopold. 

Bauer had just graduated from Johnson & Wales when he won for the first time here, an impressive victory over Matt Broome. He fell in last year’s final to Mike Calef, surrendering a late lead in a 1 up loss at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington. Bauer wasted no time booking a third appearance in the title match and did so with some extra support – his wife, McKenna, was in the gallery less than a month after they exchanged vows in June. 

“We didn’t even know each other back in 2018,” Bauer said. “For her to experience this – I don’t even know what emotions she was going through. I’m really happy to share it with her.” 

bkoch@providencejournal.com

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On X: @BillKoch25 



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