Happy Thursday! Katie here, back with this week's Race and Culture stories.
All month long we're recognizing Pride Month by highlighting LGBTQ+ people and stories. This month, I spoke with six LGBTQ+ identifying community members about what Pride Month means to them and how to be an ally. You can hear what they had to say HERE.
As always, our Race and Culture team is committed to sharing stories reflecting all our diverse communities year-round. What's happening in your community we should know about? Email our team at raceandculture@abc10.com or you can reach me directly at kkim@abc10.com.
The history of drag and how it's combating hate
This year, Pride celebrations are continuing nationwide against the backdrop of a record number of bills attacking LGBTQ+ rights. According to the nonprofit GLAAD, there have been 161 protests and threats targeting LGBTQ+ people and drag events across the country since early 2022.
In Northern California, cities and towns like Sacramento and Woodland have experienced protests at various drag events. It's why local drag queens like Rose Rowzay (She/Her) and Taryn (She/Her) are using drag to not only entertain, but to also combat hate against the LGBTQ+ community.
You can read more about what drag means to them and learn about the historic roots of drag HERE.
Recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce all slaves were free under the Emancipation Proclamation. It came 2 1/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.
Congress approved Juneteenth as a federal holiday back in 2021. This year, California officially recognized Juneteenth as an official state holiday for the first time. Governor Gavin Newsom said this year's celebrations have even more meaning given the current political climate.
"Even now, there are people in other states trying to rewrite American history, but this is history that we can't ignore," said Newsom.
Read the full story HERE.
Attacks against the Asian community
Officials in Sacramento County have put an emphasis on public safety after several robberies in South Sacramento that seemingly targeted the Asian community. Around 100 community members expressed their frustration at a town hall earlier this month, including business owners in the Little Saigon area. In response, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office increased patrols in the area.
It's no secret attacks targeting Asian Americans have been on the rise since the pandemic. It's why ACC Senior Services created a senior escort program to curb the hate and violence. The program matches trained volunteers to older adults so they have a companion and feel safe doing everyday things, such as taking a walk in the neighborhood or visiting the local grocery store.
Learn more about the program HERE.
Get to know us!
Community-driven storytelling isn't possible without the dedication of all our ABC10 journalists and staff. In every newsletter we're introducing different members of our team so you know the amazing faces and names behind our content. Let's meet Aaron!
My name is Aaron Heinrich and I've been at ABC10 for over five years. I am the Director of Marketing, and my day-to-day looks like what happens when you fill up a blender with everything from your refrigerator! It's a little bit of everything, but if you bought right and healthy, it should be good for you!
I'm most passionate about helping drive the We Stand for You brand identity in a way that consistently illustrates our positive impact with diverse communities and people. We're proving that good journalism doesn't have to be about bad news. Holding the powerful accountable, telling stories about communities most people may not have heard of, shining a light on issues that can impact us all — helping to promote the work we do in these areas reminds me of why I love being here.
My co-workers inspire me professionally. I know it sounds cliché, but I've never been one to have specific individuals I look up to. I can honestly say I've never even had someone I considered to be a mentor. But I am fortunate to be working with people who ask great questions, come up with ideas I couldn't have, think about doing things in a way that is better than what I could have imagined.
My granddaughter inspires me personally. She reminds me of what it means to see the world as if everything is new — no preconceived ideas, no prejudices, just open to everything.
In terms of hobbies, I work out every weekday for 40-45 minutes at 5:30 a.m. I like to ride my bicycle or hike mostly on weekends. I ride my motorcycle whenever I can, not just to work. I like to discover new shows, movies and music. I'm learning to play electric guitar. Riffs anyone? I also wanted to be an astronaut for the longest time.
What's happening in your community that you want us to know about? Send your suggestions and feedback to raceandculture@abc10.com.
