Hopewell Borough officials, residents and community members gathered outside Borough Hall Thursday evening for the municipality’s first Pride flag-raising ceremony, marking the start of Pride Month with a proclamation, reflections on LGBTQ history and calls for continued advocacy and inclusion.
Mayor Ryan Kennedy said the event was intended to be the first of what borough officials hope will become an annual tradition.
“Community is what makes Hopewell Borough and Hopewell Valley strong and what we are most proud of,” Kennedy said as dozens gathered on the lawn outside Borough Hall.
The ceremony included the reading of an official Pride Month proclamation, recognition of LGBTQ residents and allies, and the raising of the Progress Pride flag in front of Borough Hall.
Kennedy said the event represented more than a symbolic gesture.
“It is, frankly, the policy of the state and this town to put our money where our mouths are when it comes to inclusiveness, when it comes to support for everyone in our community,” Kennedy said. “And celebrating Pride Month here in June, I can think of no better way to do so.”
The proclamation noted that June marks the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City and recognized the contributions LGBTQ individuals have made to the community.
“The Borough of Hopewell recognizes the importance of ensuring that all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness,” Kennedy read from the proclamation.
A Symbol of Visibility and Belonging
Councilwoman Krista Weaver, who organized the event, said the ceremony was intended both as a celebration and a statement of community values.
“We gather to recognize and celebrate our LGBTQ-plus neighbors, friends, family members, students, colleagues and community leaders whose contributions make Hopewell Borough a stronger, more vibrant and welcoming place,” Weaver said.
Calling the Progress Pride flag “a symbol of visibility, belonging and hope,” Weaver said its presence sends an important message.
“It sends a simple but important message that LGBTQ-plus people are valued members of our community, and that Hopewell Borough strives to be a place where all people are treated with dignity and respect.”
Weaver also thanked borough staff, particularly Public Works Director Alan Fiel, for helping make the ceremony possible.
Youth Perspective
The ceremony featured remarks from Sam, a member of Spectrum, Hopewell Valley Central High School’s LGBTQ student organization.
Sam acknowledged the challenges facing LGBTQ people today while emphasizing solidarity and perseverance.
“This is not a great time to be queer,” Sam said. “The important thing is that we don’t give up and we don’t let anyone else define us, and we don’t let anyone else from this group or any other be left behind.”
“What matters is that we stand together, and we don’t leave anyone behind.”
Remembering the Past
Community member Edward Kimble delivered both an original poem about the Progress Pride flag and a second speech reflecting on LGBTQ history, particularly the AIDS crisis and the activism that followed.
In his poem, Kimble described the flag as “every story, every vow” and “a flag that keeps expanding its design.”
Later, he urged attendees to remember the struggles and sacrifices that preceded today’s Pride celebrations.
“We were never just a parade,” Kimble said. “We marched because they were killing us, and some had to say so out loud in the street where they couldn’t ignore it.”
Addressing younger members of the audience, Kimble encouraged them to learn the history of LGBTQ activism and continue the work of those who came before them.
“You are here because someone who looked like you refused to disappear,” he said. “You owe them your memory.”
Following the remarks, Kennedy and Weaver joined together at the flagpole as the Progress Pride flag was raised above Borough Hall for the first time.
“This first annual event here in Hopewell Borough,” Kennedy said as the ceremony concluded, “thank you so much for coming and being part of this community.”
