Panel of state representatives to honor actress Kali Reis with community hero award at State House
STATE HOUSE — A panel of state representatives led by Rep. Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist. 21, Warwick) have announced an event at the State House that will include honoring actress Kali Reis with a community hero award.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 4 at 3 p.m. in the House Lounge on the second floor of the State House.
Kali Reis, who grew up in East Providence and is a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, most recently starred alongside Jodie Foster in HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country.” The panel is recognizing her for her support and advocacy on behalf of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, a grassroots movement to raise awareness through organizing marches, building databases of the missing, and conducting domestic violence trainings and other informational sessions for police.
The first indigenous woman fighter to become a boxing world champion, Reis has attained six World Titles in two weight classes. She has received much recognition for her achievements including an induction into the North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame. She received the key to the city in East Providence in front of her friends and family. Reis is also the recipient of the “Misty Upham Award” which was presented at the 2022 Red Nation International Film Festivals tribute award ceremony.
At the State House event, Reis will be presented with a community hero award, which includes an inscription that reads, “She needed a hero, so she became one.”
The event will also highlight the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which will provide outreach and education at the event.
The panel includes Representatives Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket), Rebecca M. Kislak, (D-Dist. 4, Providence), Brianna Henries (D-Dist. 64, East Providence, Pawtucket), Tina L. Spears (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, Westerly, South Kingstown, New Shoreham), Megan L. Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond), Jennifer A. Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) and Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls).
Tornadoes and severe storms that tore through four states over the weekend are being blamed for at least five deaths. That includes a four-month-old that was one of four people killed in Oklahoma. Another person lost their life in Iowa due to storm-related injuries. 
