Jim has been a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Providence branch for 22 years, during which he served as president for six terms, totaling 12 years (2011-2023). Under Jim’s leadership, the branch played a primary and significant role in the selection and promotion of six State judges of color. Further, both Justice Melissa Long and Justice Keith Cardoza made history by becoming the first justices appointed to the Rhode Island Supreme Court and Workers’ Compensation Court, respectively.
For nearly 35 years in Rhode Island, Jim Vincent has been a tireless advocate for civil rights in communities of color, particularly the Black community.
Over the past two years since his NAACP presidency, Jim has continued his important work with the Rhode Island Judiciary by playing a primary role in the appointments of two more Black judges to the State courts; the promotion of a third judge to the Rhode Island Superior Court; and playing an integral role in the appointment of Justice Melissa Dubose who recently made history as the first Black person ever appointed to the Rhode Island U.S. District Court.
Additionally, Jim played a key role in the appointment of Darnell Weaver as the first Black superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
Before joining the NAACP Providence Branch, Jim served nine years on the Urban League of Rhode Island Board, including two terms as board president (1999-2001).
For nearly 23 years, Jim has served as the producer and host of television’s “The Jim Vincent Show.” In 2006, Jim won the Metcalf Award for television broadcasting by featuring individuals largely responsible for the passage of the Felon Disenfranchisement Bill, which allowed individuals who had served their time in prison the right to vote. Jim won the Metcalf Award again in 2017.
From 1998 to 2012, Jim served as the manager of Constituent Advocacy at Rhode Island Housing, where his main responsibility was promoting the agency’s First-Time Homeowner Program. Through Jim’s work, hundreds of individuals and families were able to buy their first homes.
Since 2013, Jim has worked at the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, first as the agency’s compliance officer and currently as its community outreach officer.
Jim has been a board member of the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) since 1991 and has served as its chairman for the past 20 years.
Over the past 25 years, Jim has been the recipient of over 30 awards including the Jefferson Award (2015); the City of Providence Dr. Martin Luther King Hall of Fame Induction Award (2017); the Rhode Island Martin Luther King Commission “Living the Dream” Award (2014); the NAACP Providence Branch George S. Lima Award (2006); Leadership Rhode Island’s David Sweet Award (2008); and the 2021 Philanthropy Citizen of the Year Award.
In 2001, Johnson & Wales University created a scholarship in his name, and in 2022, Jim received Providence’s “Key to the City.”
Jim was born in Boston on September 5, 1951, to Anna Vincent and James Lopes, of Cape Verde ancestry. He is now a resident of Cranston. Jim holds a BA from Dartmouth College and a Master’s in City Planning (MCP) from the University of Pennsylvania.
He was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2025.