Thursday, June 21st kicked off Augusta Pride’s President’s Soiree. Where AP sponsors got to mingle, celebrate, and be introduced to this year’s Grand Marshalls and Royal Court. The elegant reception took place at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. There was live music featuring even uncommon instruments such as banjos and double basses, gourmet food, and an open bar. A photographer was on hand to capture the memories. Prominent attendees included 2 county commissioners and a State Senator among others.
Friday, June 22nd was not formal. The Augusta Common turned into an outdoor club. Live band and food vendors under the balmy summer sky.
Saturday, June 23rd was the event everyone was waiting for. Starting with the Pride Parade. Followed by the festivities in the Park. Several thousand people from all over attended Pride in the Park. There were attendees from various parts of GA, South Carolina, and Florida. Aside from the live band, live performances, street food vendors, and family-friendly fun….The crowd got fired up when a couple of candidates spoke. Democrat 12th Congressional Candidate Francys Johnson and Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate Stacey Abrams.
This is the 9th year of Augusta Pride. Pride organizers were still on a high because days before The Richmond-Augusta Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to expand equal employment opportunity language for the city of Augusta employees. The new policy manuals will now include sexual orientation and gender identity and will address sexual harassment.
Georgia Equality’s team engaged with hundreds of attendees. State Outreach Organizer, Shannon Clawson led the team to register 60 Georgians to vote before getting washed away by thunderstorms. Chanel & Tonya engaged with hundreds of attendees and solidified several to sign Georgia Unites Against Discrimination (GUAD) pledges.
Several local news outlets covered the Augusta Pride festivities all week. Expressing support in Richmond County, and even parts of South Carolina. One local news station channel 6 WJBF aired a story about LGBT youth suicide on the rise. Which mentioned the importance of events like Augusta Pride so youth can be able to express themselves.