Making a Difference: U.S. Representative Gabe Amo joins us in the ABC6 Studio

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Continuing ABC6’s Diversity: Making a Difference interview series, U.S. Representative Gabe Amo sat down with ABC6 Anchor Karah Bailey.

Representative Amo is the first African-American elected to Congress in Rhode Island’s history.

“It is incredibly, incredibly important to me that I am reflective of so many communities here in Rhode Island,” said Amo.

“Change isn’t merely achieved by winning one seat. I didn’t run to make history, I ran to make a difference.”

Amo continued the discussion on the importance of closing the racial wealth gap, health disparities and home ownership.

“There’s lots of work to do, but I am glad to be at the beginning of what I hope is a career fighting for Rhode Islanders.”

With that work ahead, Amo was asked what he hoped his legacy would be.

“The responsibility of being first is that you make yourself never the last,” said Amo

“And so my goal is that everybody, I don’t care what you look like, but especially for our black community, know that everything is possible.”

Amo reflected on where he came from, being a first generation American with two west African parents, and how far he has come.

“In one generation, we have gone to Congress, that shows that progress is possible, it is hard, and there will be hurdles, but we have to climb them collectively,” said Amo.