CM Robinson
Jun 1, 2023
Today Council Member Robinson had the pleasure of participating in the flag raising ceremony in celebration for PRIDE month and Juneteenth. During the ceremony thoughts were offered on perseverance in the face of oppression - how by standing in our power and having pride in who we are as people or culturally we can become the positive role models our children need to grow up strong, healthier and perhaps more embraced than past generations.
Council member Zepeda offered moving words on how hope emerges from darkness. Council member Robinson offer thoughts on the importance of Juneteenth as a celebration of the LAST enslaved people of African descent in the US who were released from the bondage of slavery - that it is an important lesson and value that no one is truly free until everyone is free.
There were also moving speeches by Vice Mayor McLaughlin who reflected on the power of solidarity and joint struggle and Mayor Martinez who reflected on the inspiring journey the City of Richmond has travelled and how our city is made greater but the enormous contributions of generations of African American residents who help blaze the trails of justice making irreplaceable contributions to Richmond arts and culture that are so central to our identity as a City today.
Reflecting on the sacrifices that have been made by the African American and LGBTQIA+ communities it becomes even more clear the responsibility we have to honor their legacies by being the best people and best city we can be.
The mantra used by one of the wisest African American activists from Detroit Council Member Robinson has ever spent time with was "Wage Love" perhaps if we lean toward justice with this kind of fire in our hearts we will ultimately create the world we all need.
Join the Richmond Community in celebrating:
Richmond Rainbow PRIDE - Saturday, June 3rd from 12pm - 4pm @ Civic Center Plaza: Learn More
Juneteenth Family Day and Festival - Saturday, June 17th from