Dr. Claire Andrade-Watkins, an award-winning historian, filmmaker, and community advocate, has spent the past forty decades preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Cape Verdean community in Rhode Island. As the founder of SPIA Media Productions, she blends her deep personal connection to the community with her academic and artistic expertise to document stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
SPIA Media Productions, headquartered in Rhode Island, is dedicated to storytelling that explores themes of displacement, resilience, and identity. One of Claire’s most notable works, “Some Kind of Funny Porto Rican? A Cape Verdean American Story”, chronicles the displacement of Cape Verdean families from the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence during urban renewal projects in the 20th century. This film, like much of Claire’s work, combines archival research and personal narratives to illuminate the lives of Cape Verdean Americans.
A New Chapter: The Sheldon Street Church Project
In 2024, Claire received a three-year grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) to expand her preservation efforts. The grant supports her work on the Sheldon Street Church in Providence, recognized as the first Cep Verdean church in America. This historic landmark holds deep ties to the community, serving as a spiritual and cultural hub for early immigrants. Claire’s project will document the church’s significance, tying its history to the broader narrative of Cape Verdean contributions to Rhode Island’s cultural fabric.
A Vision for the Future
Claire and her team’s work is about more than just preserving history—it’s about inspiring future generations. By spotlighting the resilience and cultural richness of Cape Verdean Americans, she ensures their stories remain a vital part of Rhode Island’s identity. As a professor, filmmaker, and advocate, Claire continues to push boundaries, giving voice to underrepresented communities and creating a bridge between the past and the present.
Her ongoing efforts with SPIA Media Productions exemplify the power of storytelling to connect communities, honor heritage, and shape a more inclusive understanding of history.
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