Rhode Island Senate adopts resolutions honoring Martin Luther King Jr., mourning Richard Rippey Serra and Naija A. Gonzales
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Summary
The Senate adopted three resolutions: commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, expressing condolences for the late Richard Rippey Serra of Charlestown, and honoring 19-year-old Naija A. Gonzales, whose death on 11/29/2025 was described as the result of a senseless act of violence. Each resolution was moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote.
PROVIDENCE — The Senate of the State of Rhode Island adopted three resolutions Thursday, commemorating the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., expressing condolences for the passing of longtime Charlestown resident Richard Rippey Serra, and honoring the life of 19-year-old Naija A. Gonzales.
Lita Jessica Dela Cruz of Burrillville, Gloucester and North Smithfield opened the session with an invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. The clerk reported 35 members present and declared a quorum. The clerk also read several judicial appointments transmitted by the governor and referred them to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, including nominations for associate-justice posts.
Senator Mack asked that the Senate read a resolution commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday (Jan. 15, 1929), read an extended excerpt from King’s 1964 Nobel acceptance speech and moved passage. Whip Tocquoyan seconded the motion; with no further discussion the resolution was adopted by voice vote. In reading the excerpt, Senator Mack recited, “I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have 3 meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”
The body then adopted a resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Richard Rippey Serra of Charlestown, a longtime owner of Rippy's Liquor and Marketplace and former Charlestown town council member. Senator Morgan moved passage and Whip Tocquoyan seconded; the resolution was adopted and Senator Morgan introduced family members attending the session, noting Serra’s service to the local community.
A third resolution honored and remembered Nyesha A. Gonzales (listed in the resolution text as having died on 11/29/2025 at age 19). The clerk read the resolution, which described Gonzales as a Central Falls graduate who had attended Community College of Rhode Island and who had been active in local arts and community service. Senator Acosta moved passage and the motion was seconded and adopted; Acosta introduced family members present and urged the chamber to turn grief into action.
Chairman DePalma made brief announcements including an invitation to a Preserve Rhode Island event at the Lippitt House, the distribution of a Senate Fiscal Office "quick look" at the FY2027 budget as proposed by the governor, and notification that fiscal adviser Steve Whitney had circulated SNAP-impact data for legislative districts. The clerk noted there was no consent or regular calendar for the day.
Whip DeCohen moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of Richard Rippey Serra and Nyesha/Naija A. Gonzales; the motion was seconded by the Senate and the body adjourned.
Votes: Each resolution was adopted by voice vote; the record shows the motions were moved and seconded but no roll-call tallies were provided in the transcript.
