Who says we cannot celebrate Aurora Pride this year? The Aurora Public Library (APL) will help keep Pride alive in Aurora with Aurora Proud: Faces and Stories, an all-ages virtual celebration of Aurora Pride! Take a look back on the faces of 2019 Aurora Pride Parade with our community-driven virtual photo exhibit, scheduled to be unveiled exclusively at 5:30 p.m. June 5 to start First Fridays. In its second year, this exhibit documents the joy with which Aurora has chosen to honor the legacy of Pride as a recognition of our LGBTQ+ community, friends, and family. Contributors to the collection include community members who submitted their photos, as well as Aurora Pride, organizers of the parade, and Aurora Public Library’s own Robb Winder, genealogy, and local history librarian.
We celebrate Pride month in June as a recognition of the impact the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 in Manhattan had and continues to have on the movement toward inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in our society. The rainbow flag is the dominant symbol of this effort, and its iconography is visible throughout Pride celebrations and parades from clothing choices to decorations and swag.
Krista Danis, events and program coordinator said, “I am, quite literally, proud to work and play in a city so welcoming to all people from a diverse breadth of backgrounds and identities. Working on Aurora Proud: Faces and Stories has been an energizing and hopeful project to work on throughout this relatively bleak historical moment, and the sheer blast of color and happiness radiating from the photos is enough to make anyone feel at least a little better.”
As we look back, we look forward to passing down a legacy of celebrating diversity and inclusion to our children. Join us at 6 p.m. June 5 for Rainbow Storytime, an interactive adventure for children of all-ages! This is the perfect opportunity for young persons to interact, share, and enjoy stories and songs together. Spaces are limited, so please register at kdanis@aurorapubliclibrary.org. Upon registration, you will receive your exclusive Zoom link, giving you access to this colorful celebration! Come dressed in rainbows and let your flag fly!
To round out the inevitable excitement of a virtual First Fridays dedicated completely to celebrating Pride month, drop by our Facebook page, at facebook.com/APLibraryIL, at 7 p.m. for an hour of jazz with The Jeff Ford Quintet, one of our favorite local bands! It will be the perfect opportunity to clear a space in your living room to dance the night away, or simply sit back and relax to jazz favorites performed by local musicians. The Jeff Ford Quintet, which is brought to us by the Fox Valley Music Consortia, joined us last year for our Pride celebration, and we are happy to make them our annual house band of choice for this event.
Happy Pride, and we cannot wait to see you and your family June 5 at the virtual First Fridays!