Mayor Smiley to Induct Three Community Leaders into the City’s Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame
Chief Judge Frank Caprio, Derek Earl Hazard Jr. and Helen Baskerville-Dukes will be Inducted in the 21st Annual Hall of Fame
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley will join members of the Providence City Council, Providence Human Relations Commissioners and community members to induct Chief Judge Frank Caprio, Derek Earl Hazard Jr. and Helen Baskerville-Dukes into the City’s Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame. The 21st annual induction ceremony will be held at the City Council Chambers on Monday, February 12, 2024. at 5:30 PM.
“I am excited to celebrate the incredible work of these three community leaders who showcase day after day their commitment to the values of justice, equality, and service of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Together these leaders have helped make Providence the inclusive and welcoming city it is known to be. I invite residents from across the city to join us in commemorating the impactful work of Dr. King and honoring the inductees for all that they have done for our city.”
Inductees were nominated by members of the public and chosen by Mayor Smiley for their contributions to social justice, civil rights and equality. The ceremony will also feature performances by the young talents of Music One and a reading by former Trinity Repertory Resident Artist and current Director of Providence’s Arts, Culture and Tourism Department, Joe Wilson Jr.
“We celebrate these three inspiring community leaders for their dedication to Providence,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Recognizing these leaders for their principles, compassion, and service reinforces the lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but also encourages others to do their part to make our city more just for all.”
Chief Judge Frank Caprio attended the Providence public schools, graduated from Central High School, where he was an all-state wrestler and was inducted into the Rhode Island Wrestling Hall of Fame. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Providence College and began his professional career upon graduation, teaching American government at Hope High School. He was elected to the Providence City Council in 1962 and served until 1970. Judge Caprio attended the night program at Suffolk University School of Law and began his distinguished legal career in 1965. He has served as chairman of the RI Board of Governors for Higher Education for ten years, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law by Suffolk University School of Law in 1991 and Providence College in 2008 and also received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from the University of RI in 2016. In 2003 he was the first recipient of the Enrico Caruso Award from the Providence Opera for his major contributions to the arts. Judge Caprio was honored by recently being inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.
Derek Earl Hazard Jr. was born at Chad Brown Housing in 1976. He is a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and the RI Beauty Academy. He is the son of Maria Rose Andrade and Derek Earl Hazard Sr. He has been a single father since 2015, raising four children. Earl credits his Cape Veridian and Narragansett tribal heritage for his deep affection and passion. In 1999, he established Inner City Hair Design, a barbershop that has evolved into a community Mecca in the North End—often referred to as “The Black Man’s Country Club.” Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Earl is the esteemed founder and former president of the Chad Brown Alumni Association/North End Outreach. This initiative, launched in 2010 alongside his childhood friends, aimed to effect positive change in their community. Having discovered the profound impact of direct engagement with people, Earl champions various causes, from curbing violence to aiding job placements. Whether offering solace in his barber shop or actively participating in community initiatives, he consistently stands ready to extend a helping hand.
Helen Baskerville-Dukes is a native of Providence, Rhode Island. She is a graduate of Katherine Gibbs College and is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Mount Hope Community Center. Helen brings over 20 years of community experience advocating for education and equity. Helen is an experienced playwright producing over 15 plays. In 2019, her film ‘Ladies Night’ premiered at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival. She has also created, trademarked and owns the copyright to a new sport called Wallopball, which was featured on WJAR Channel 10. Since 2019, she continues to serve as the Chair of Juneteenth RI, one of RI’s largest festivals and a proud member of KFM Leadership group. Helen lives in Providence with her husband Tyrone and is a proud mother to her daughter Imani.
