Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Health & Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, Director of Parks, Buildings, ad Recreation Management Tom Ashe, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, Deputy Huma Resources Director Caitlyn Julius and city officials and staff, including our Springfield Libraries team, joined with Springfield Pride Parade CEO Taurean Bethea and many area organizations, schools, businesses, and residents to march in the 4th annual Springfield Pride Parade on Saturday.
The parade gathered at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) before marching down State Street and onto Main Street where the parade concluded at Stearns Square for a special block party and celebration featuring Dawn Richard, a singer and known by many as a member of the girl group Danity Kane.
Mayor Sarno stated, “Although it was a rainy day, our Springfield was shining brightly as we came together, as we have for many years, in solidarity and support of equality, love, and respect. We had a wonderful time marching with Taurean Bethea and our LGBTQIA+ community in our fourth annual Springfield Pride Parade this Saturday as we continue to support and celebrate all of the festivities of Pride Month. Thank you to Dawn Richard for putting on a great show at the Pride Parade block party, all our city departments, and all who work behind the scenes to make the whole weekend day a success. Simply put, a good person is a good person, no matter what creed, color, background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As a longtime member of Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination, I am proud to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community to remind all that each of us deserves the same level of equality and respect. This month in particular, we honor those who have fought for equality for our LGBTQIA+ community and recognize that respecting the rights of all makes for a better city and community.”
