Guilford Human Rights Commission

Reflecting on Pride Month: A Message of Unity and Inclusion

As comes to a close today, the Guilford Human Rights Commission wants to reflect on the values that connect us all. Pride month may be ending, but our community’s commitment to dignity, respect, and safety for every resident remains a year-round priority.To close out the month, we want to share the powerful words spoken by our First Selectman Matt Hoey, at the town's Pride flag-raising ceremony:

""Guilford welcomes, but more importantly celebrates diversity in its many forms: age, race, gender orientation, abilities, educational achievement, political philosophies, religious beliefs. The fabric of our community is woven together and strengthened by that diversity. We are richer for embracing the differences amongst us. We believe in treating people with kindness, dignity and compassion. That is, treating all people equally. Everyone is entitled to that equality, respect and kindness in how they live their lives, raise their families, worship or love. Inclusion is a byproduct of these attributes and no one should be excluded because of what they may believe in or if they live differently than you or me. "

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating, learning, and growing together this June. Let’s carry these foundational themes of equality and kindness forward into the rest of the year to ensure Guilford remains a welcoming place for everyone.

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On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. This day came to be known as Juneteenth.

Today, Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate progress, and recommit ourselves to building inclusive and welcoming communities.

We also recognize the work of Opal Lee, whose decades of advocacy helped lead to Juneteenth being recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. ❤️🖤💚

Learn more:
Juneteenth history: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth

Opal Lee's story: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/who-opal-lee

Today is Budget Referendum Day.

Your voice matters. Voting is one of the most important ways to participate in your community and make your voice heard.

If you are eligible to vote, remember to take part in today's referendum.

Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.