Two days ago, Rhode Island’s first female governor made the announcement at a news conference. Raimondo announced that she plans on removing the phrase, “Providence Plantations,” from websites and official documents, such as paychecks and citations. The governor wants future paperwork to be labelled with the text, “State of Rhode Island.” The state’s formal name has come under fire once again as nationwide protests continue over racial injustice, per NPR.

“This morning, I signed an executive order removing the phrase, Providence Plantations, from gubernatorial orders and citations, all executive branch agency websites, all official correspondence, and state employee pay stubs and paychecks,” said Raimondo.

“We can’t ignore the image conjured by the word ‘plantation.’ We can’t ignore how painful that is for Black Rhode Islanders to see that and have to see that as part of their state’s name,” added the 75th Governor of Rhode Island.

The name change will be given a universal vote in the upcoming November ballot. Last Thursday, Senator Harold Metts introduced the legislation for the referendum. Metts and Representative Anastasia P. Williams were also taking steps in detaching “plantations” from official General Assembly documents.

During the 17th century, “plantation” had a different meaning and was defined as a new colony. But that meaning changed during the mid-18th century. Rhode Island, though a Northern state, was also a major importer of slave labor, though its name came from the original definition of the word.

Metts told the Providence Journal, “Whatever the meaning of the term ‘plantations’ in the context of Rhode Island’s history, it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation.”

The name change has been a decade’s old battle. At the same event, Jorge Elorza, the mayor of Providence, warned voters did not support the change back in 2010. According to The Hill, about 78 percent of voters did not want “Providence Plantations” to be be removed.

“We know that 10 years ago when this was put to the voters, it failed pretty bad,” said Elorza. “That means that statewide, it is an unpopular thing to do, but it is the right thing to do and because of that, I give you all the credit, Governor.”

A representative for Governor Raimondo has not responded to Newsweek’s request for comment.