Happy Thursday! Mike Bunnell here, filling in for Katie Kim. Let's take a look at a few of the top Race and Culture stories.
June is Pride Month — yet another opportunity to celebrate the diversity that makes our part of the world special in so many ways. As we do every day, ABC10 will continue highlighting people, events and organizations that are a part of our area's vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Our team is committed to bringing you stories reflecting all of our diverse communities year-round. Let us know what you would like to see next! Email our team at raceandculture@abc10.com or reach out to me directly at mbunnell@abc10.com.
Time to get to it!
The Origins of Pride Month
Let's start with the basics and take a look at the change ignited by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City's Greenwich Village.
Even though the Stonewall Uprising was not the first time people in LGBTQ+ communities fought for equal rights, the event is believed to have been a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.
“It's really the beginning point of the modern gay and lesbian movement,” said Howard Chiang, Associate Professor, Department of History, UC Davis, (He/Him).
"It was really the first time people were actually thinking about sexual diversity and the gay and lesbian movement. People believed it was something worth paying sustained attention to.”
Read the full story HERE.
Photo credit: AP
Vacaville Mayor recognizes June as Pride Month
In a last minute decision, the Office of Mayor John Carli announced the city of Vacaville will fly the Pride flag above city hall, and he would sign a proclamation observing June as Pride Month.
The mayor and members of the Solano Pride Center met in late May to discuss the proclamation of acknowledgment, but Carli says the proclamation he was given was “different from those that the prior mayor issued” and recent court rulings led him to consult with legal counsel before making a decision or taking action.
Long time resident of Vacaville and veteran Aurda Orr says she felt betrayed by Carli waiting to make the decision and believes recognizing June as Pride Month only supports the community.
"We're a valued member of the community just like everyone else is. Let's all stand together, love one another and make this a better country," Orr said.
Read the full story HERE.
Closing the African American achievement gap in California
As a math teacher, Marcus Atkins is working to make a positive change. He grew up in Sacramento and says he often felt isolated as a Black student in public school.
"I did not have representation that looked like me," said Atkins. "I did not get my first African American teacher until high school."
Representation in education matters. It means teachers, principals and other academic leaders accurately reflect the diverse student body and communities they serve. Representation in education helps strengthen communities and improve student outcomes in elementary, middle and high schools.
"It continues to be a fight," said Atkins. "It's a fight that I'm willing to fight for. Our scholars are everything. They are our future and I see myself in all of them. I'm honestly here to give them a better experience than what I got."
Read the full story HERE.
#ICYMI (In case you missed it)
What's happening in your community that you want us to know about? Send your suggestions and feedback to raceandculture@abc10.com.
