Pride Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while honoring its history and ongoing journey. Observed each June, this month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a defining moment that galvanized the modern movement for LGBTQ+ rights.
Today, Pride serves not only as a celebration of identity, authenticity, and self-expression, but also as a reminder of the progress achieved and the work that remains. It is an opportunity to promote understanding, advocate for equality, and foster inclusive environments where all individuals feel seen, respected, and valued.
Honor Pride at JMP
To commemorate Pride Month, the JMP D&I Events Committee is hosting guest speaker Kori Hennessy (they/them), Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh, on Wednesday, June 17, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Hennessy’s talk, Creating Safer Places: What Allyship Means for LGBTQ+, explains what meaningful allyship looks like for LGBTQ+ people and why it matters. After hearing real-world examples of effective allyship, participants will leave with a better understanding of how to help foster safer, more inclusive spaces in their teams, communities, and everyday interactions.
Join us either in person in A4111 or via the live stream on Teams. The presentation is being recorded for internal use only. Refreshments and coffee cart are available.
More ways to celebrate Pride month
LGBT Center of Raleigh will be hosting Out! Raleigh Pride in downtown Raleigh on June 26-27. If interested, please contact them for more information about volunteer opportunities.
For other events in celebration of Pride Month, check out SAS LGBTQ + Inclusion Group (PRIDE) page on Viva Engage, including the SAS Pride celebration on June 24 in the Terrace Café (Building A) at 4:30 p.m.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Senior Human Resources Business Partner Chaneen Cummings-Kouassi (@CCKouassi).
More about Kori Hennessy:
As the first nonbinary Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh and one of the very few transgender leaders in Triangle-area nonprofits, Kori has been dedicated to creating equitable and affirming opportunities for all. In their role, Kori works alongside a diverse and passionate team to implement programs that include youth and young adult leadership skill-building, education and understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, connections to transgender communities and resources, health equity and access, and so much more. Kori has worked for the Center in various capacities for 9 years and has served as the Executive Director for the last three years.
