WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that NAACP Providence President Jim Vincent will be his guest at President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 12, 2016.  This will be President Obama’s seventh and final State of the Union address to the nation.

“I am honored to have Jim Vincent as my guest for the State of the Union.  Jim is a true champion for civil rights and community development.  He’s someone who has focused on breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring equal rights and a more just society for all Americans.  I’ve been proud to work with him on a range of important issues, such as affordable housing, education, and economic development.  Through his work with the Providence branch of the NAACP, East Bay Community Action, Rhode Island Housing, and so many other organizations, Jim has dedicated his career toward bettering our community for all Rhode Islanders,” said Senator Reed.  “I am looking forward to hearing President Obama lay out his agenda for his final year in office.  Congress must find ways to work together and take action to strengthen our economy, invest in the middle-class, and expand opportunity for all.”

“On behalf of the NAACP Providence Branch, I am humbled, honored and privileged to be invited by Senator Reed to witness President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address,” said Jim Vincent.  “I have worked with Senator Reed over the years and have found him to be  a strong, consistent champion for the economic and social upliftment of all Rhode Islanders.  No one works harder.  He is a drum major for justice!”

The son of immigrants from Cabo Verde, Mr. Vincent hails from Cranston.  In addition to serving as President of the NAACP’s Providence branch, he is also President of the Board of Directors of East Bay Community Action, Inc.  Jim Vincent began his Rhode Island career working for the City of East Providence where he served as Housing Coordinator.  Jim later worked at Rhode Island Housing, where he served as Manager of Constituent Advocacy, providing outreach and technical assistance to undeserved communities.  He currently serves as the Civil Rights Compliance Officer at RIPTA, and holds leadership positions on numerous boards, including: African Alliance of Rhode Island, the Southern New England Association of Black Journalists, and is a member of the College Crusade Board and the Cape Verdean Progressive Center.

Mr. Vincent, who holds an M.A. in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Government from Dartmouth College, is a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island and also produces and hosts the “Jim Vincent Show” television program.

Mr. Vincent will travel to Washington, DC on January 12 and join Senator Reed and other lawmakers and invited guests for the President’s State of the Union speech, which takes place in the U.S. House of Representatives chamber.  The speech is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET.

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