President John Salow's Statement on the History of Pride

"Embrace Monroe started a Pride Picnic in June of 2021, for Monroe County with Jason VanStone at the forefront and with John F.Salow, Nadine Mumaw Meeker and Bryan Jones as major players in what was a meant to be a beautiful Pride Picnic and Celebration. Which it was. We had naysayers, we had threats, we had security, free hot dogs and water. Music, games and a celebration of the LQBTQ+ community. We had allies there, we had friends and family there. In the years since 2021, the Picnic has turned into an even bigger event and has grown each year. Prism headed by Reese Johnson and mother Emily joined in 2022 and then in 2023 the event was moved from Munson Park to the centrally located St. Mary’s Park in downtown Monroe. Reese and Emily Johnson lead the events that year and added a successful drag show , entertainment, fellow organizations and food trucks. In the 2024 our 4th year Jason Van Stone added over 20 Art Market Vendors  for first ever Pride Market, more local organizations joined and we successfully added sponsorships. Emily Johnson and the Monroe County Pride crowned our first Miss Monroe County Pride, Xanadu Shee. In 2025, our plans are even bigger as we Stand Up and Stand Tall with a two day Pride Event , (spoilers to come real soon as we finish our 2025 Pride Event Planning.) Our mission? To protect, and offer a safe fun family friendly Pride Celebration for the community of Monroe County , Michigan and surrounding areas. Love is… more important than ever, stay safe and much love."