Jef Nickerson
Photo from Councilman Luna’s Facebook Page
This afternoon we learned the sad news of the passing on Ward 9 Councilman Miguel Luna. The Mayor and City Council issued the following joint statement.
See the end for information about donations in Councilman Luna’s memory:
A Joint Statement from Mayor Angel Taveras and the Providence City Council on the passing of Councilman Miguel C. Luna
Councilman Miguel C. Luna passed away this afternoon at Rhode Island Hospital, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his three children, Dante, 13, Sofie, 11, and Omar 9; his mother Mireya; his four sisters, Ysa, Belkiss, Josefina and Teresa; his brother Antonio; and 17 nieces and nephews.
Councilman Luna was an extraordinary humanitarian and humble public servant who identified with those most in need and dedicated his life to promoting workers’ rights and economic justice.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of my friend and colleague Miguel Luna,” said Mayor Taveras. “Councilman Luna was a great man who made a difference in many people’s lives. I join with everyone in my administration and the City of Providence in mourning his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time. We will honor Councilman Luna’s memory by following his example and continuing his lifelong commitment to advocating for justice.”
Councilman Luna broke down racial and economic barriers when he earned a seat on the City Council in 2003 by beating an incumbent with nearly two thirds of the vote. He was the second Latino Councilman in Providence’s history and the first Dominican American ever elected to the Council.
“The entire Council is deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and dear friend Councilman Miguel Luna,” said Council President Michael Solomon. “Throughout his life, Miguel displayed an unyielding commitment to community service. He was involved with many organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the less fortunate. Councilman Luna’s accomplishments – legislative, professional and otherwise – are truly without end, and it was his devotion to such causes that we will most recall and miss. At this time, our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with his family.”
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, he worked minimum wage jobs and advocated for others seeking to improve the quality of their lives. Upon arrival in Rhode Island, he worked in factories and as a laborer during the construction of the Comfort Inn near T.F. Green Airport. He subsequently worked at the International Institute, at the Amos House, at AIDS Care Ocean State and in the full service of the residents of Ward 9 since January, 2003.
A longtime Elmwood resident, Councilman Luna was a constant presence at neighborhood organizations. He was a founding member of the community organization Direct Action for Rights and Equality and was heavily involved with the International Institute, Jobs with Justice and the Olneyville Neighborhood Association. He served on the board and volunteered for numerous other organizations in Providence, including Amos House, the San Miguel School, and the Center for Minority Advancement in the Building Trades.
“He was like a brother to me,” said Councilman Luis Aponte. “Miguel’s been on the front-lines of every important struggle in our great city and I am saddened beyond belief by his passing. He was a hero in the true sense of the word – unafraid of taking on the powerful and relentless in his commitment to winning justice and fairness for all.”
Councilman Luna was a passionate advocate for safe and affordable housing, police accountability and good jobs. Through his involvement with La Comunidad en Acción at St. Michael’s Church, he joined with public housing tenants in their fight for improved conditions. He helped to establish the Providence External Review Authority, the city’s first civilian review board.
As a Councilman representing the Ninth Ward, he sought to ensure that good, living-wage jobs were the foundation of the City’s economy through city tax stabilization polices and the First Source Ordinance. He pursued a progressive legislative agenda on the Council – championing efforts to protect affordable housing and create new jobs for Providence residents, and to make government more accessible to all residents, especially those who speak other languages. He was a strong proponent of renewable energy, encouraging homeowners to utilize solar panels and other energy efficient methods in their homes.
As Chairman of the Rhode Island Workers’ Rights Board, Councilman Luna stood up for janitors at Providence College, hotel workers at the Westin and the Biltmore and home-based child care providers across the state. Councilman Luna did not limit his fight for justice to the City of Providence. He advocated fiercely for fair international trade policies and fought for peace in every corner of the world. He advocated for the rights of farm workers in Ohio, tenants in San Francisco and community activists fighting for neighborhood investment in Los Angeles. He was a member of the U.S. Delegation of Election Observers in Venezuela during the 2006 election.
Councilman Luna was a voice for the voiceless. Wherever there was injustice, he was there. Our City mourns his passing.
Mayor Taveras has ordered flags on City buildings to fly half staff in memory of Councilman Luna.
Donations in Councilman Luna’s memory are encouraged, and may be sent to:
Luna Children Educational Trust
167 Roger Williams Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
Please feel free to share you memories and thoughts about Councilman Luna in the comments.
- Update: Providence Councilman Miguel Luna dies at 53 [The Providence Journal]
- Miguel Luna has died; remembered as a voice for his community [WRNI]
- Councilman Luna dies after heart attack [WPRI]
I always respected Miguel for his way of looking at Providence as an entire city, rather than 15 fiefdoms. He worked with many people and groups outside his ward on many different issues and wasn’t easily scared off by the bombastic rhetoric of other council people who said he had no right to interfere in their ward.
He was a good friend to and advocate for the City of Providence and ALL its residents and he was always kind, and funny and accessible to me personally. I am sure he will be missed greatly.
Miguelito, you will be missed, but I refuse to be sad at your passing. Instead, we should redouble our efforts on the causes you championed and live up to your incredible example.
Information from the City:
Providence council to consider renaming Sackett Elementary after late Councilman Luna [The Providence Journal]