Pam Steager of the RI Council for the Humanities, near left, stands with Toby Ayers, of the Rhode Island For Community & Justice, who co-facilitated the ninth-annual roundtable, a policy forum that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In attendance were: center photo from left, Germaine Dennaker and Beatriz Perez of the RI Department of Health, and far photo from left, Lola Lange of the Public Defender's Office and Reza Corinne Clifton.

Michael Evora's Prism of Praise Community Gospel Choir concluded the Jan. 14 program, which was held at the Providence Black Repertory Company. The roundtable is held yearly to educate coalition members and others on local civil rights issues that may come before the General Assembly.

Shanna Wells of the Rhode Island Commission on Women, left, hosted the program. State Rep. Joanne Giannini, of Providence, center, with microphone, spoke of the importance of passing legislation to abolish human trafficking in Rhode Island.

photos by Agapao Productions

Amy Rainone, of Rhode Island Housing, above, and state Rep. Elizabeth M. Denningan, East Providence, lower right, also attended the forum.