Courtesy Pride NB Facebook
Pride Week is now underway in New Brunswick and due to the pandemic all events are virtual this year.
Pride NB is hosting the celebration which is a new group comprised of pride committees from Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton.
Greater Moncton River of Pride president Zivi Richard says a new progressive flag has been raised which includes the colours brown and black.
“For people of colour, following the murder of George Floyd, it’s very important for us to move towards this direction and support Black Lives Matter and recognizing that institutionalized racism is very present,” Ricard said.
During a flag raising event at Moncton City Hall on Friday, mayor Dawn Arnold felt the symbolism of the progressive flag was fantastic.
“I think we’ve all been reflecting on what’s going on in our world today and just how far things have come… and the importance of really working hard to affect positive change in our community,” said Arnold.
As a teenager 20 years ago, Moncton Centre MLA Rob McKee says he happened to see a Pride parade in the city and admits he didn’t know what it was.
“Coming from a family which I believe had values of inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism… for me not to be aware of what was going on at that time shows a lot about how far we’ve had to come,” noted McKee.
All activities will be live streamed on the Pride NB Facebook page until July 18.
