Jim Vincent says Black history transcends one month, but February observance is important

(WJAR) — February is set aside to recall the accomplishments and struggles of Black people across the nation.

For one African American leader in Rhode Island, one month isn’t enough.

"There's no history without Black history. Black folks have been every part of American history, through its sordid and ugly past to the present. So that fact that history has been somewhat whitewashed, we have to accept that," said Jim Vincent, former president of the NAACP Providence Branch.

Vincent served for more than 20 years, and 12 years as president.

At 71 years old, he has witnessed a lot of our history, especially in Rhode Island.

"We had the first Black person to be on the Rhode Island Supreme Court -- Melissa Long. I worked behind the scenes with that effort over the years, and I was so happy to see that happen," Vincent said. "Also, in efforts behind the scenes, we have our first Black police chief of the state police in Darnell Weaver. That's another initiative that I was involved in with the NAACP."

The civil rights activist has also made history of his own, receiving the key to the city at last October's NAACP 109th Freedom Fund Gala.

"I was humbled, and I was honored, and I will never forget Mayor Elorza for giving me the key to the city, and I've already told Mayor Smiley that if I call for a meeting, you've got to give it to me because I've got a key to the city," he said.

Every week, NBC 10 News will reflect on the accomplishments of Black people, while looking at those making an impact right now, something Vincent says has no end date.

"I think Black history is 365 days a year, 24/7, so I don't think Black history should be diminished by having just a month," he said. "But on the flip side, I think it's important to at least have a focus on Black history. So to the other end of my thinking, I think having a concerted month or a concerted effort to think about Black history is a good thing and is important, even though it is in the shortest month of the year."