Of his own constituents. Years ago I attended a Martin Luther King Day program at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on in the Armory district of Providence. There was a large turnout, the beautiful 19th Century church was full. Chairs were arranged in front of the pulpit for distinguished speakers. One of them was then-Governor Lincoln Almond.

I had disagreed with the Governor’s politics, but I was happy to see him there. Not only was he visiting a part of town that does not trend Republican and had probably not thrown his party many votes, but he was face to face with many of the community activists who bombarded his office with petitions and demonstrations. The church was located in a neighborhood not described as serene. We ‘white’ people who attended had an opportunity to experience what it feels like to be in the minority. The Governor was there to honor Dr. King and the people who hold his legacy dear.

At the time Linc Almond was being treated for prostate cancer. A ready-made excuse to dodge any obligation he wanted to get out of, I would think. I knew he was probably not feeling that great, but he was there. He was there because that is the right thing for the Governor of Rhode Island to do.