Newark Pride Names Four Grand Marshals For its Parade July 19

Newark Pride Inc. has named Out Montclair co-founders Madeline Gale and Reubena Spence, Bishop Kevin Taylor  of Unity Fellowship Church in Newark and Garden State Equality acting Executive Director Brielle Winslow-Majette as the grand marshals of the 21^st Annual Newark Pride Parade, set for July 19.

Newark Pride reserves the title of grand marshal — its highest honor — for individuals whose leadership has strengthened LGBTQ+ communities and advanced equality across New Jersey and beyond. According to the organization, this year’s honorees represent diverse experiences across faith, education, media and community organizing.

Each grand marshal represents a different facet of New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ movement. Taylor has spent decades creating affirming spaces through ministry, media and storytelling. Winslow-Majette leads New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. Gale and Spence have earned recognition for decades of activism, education and civic engagement.

Spence, who also is president and chairperson of Out Montclair, said in a news release: “This is an incredible honor for both of us. Madeline and I are deeply grateful to be recognized alongside Bishop Kevin E. Taylor and Brielle Winslow-Majette, whose leadership and commitment to our community have inspired so many.”

She added that the two proudly accept the honor on behalf of Out Montclair and the countless volunteers, partner organizations, supporters and community members who have helped make their work possible.

“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reminds us that our work doesn’t stop at municipal boundaries. While organizations may be rooted in different towns and cities, the LGBTQIA+ community is connected in so many ways. Our shared commitment to equality, visibility, and belonging unites us across New Jersey, and together we are stronger than any one community alone,” Spence said.

Gale in the release echoed those sentiments: “We are truly humbled by this recognition. Newark has played such an important role in New Jersey’s LGBTQIA+ history, and to be honored by this community is incredibly meaningful. We see this not only as recognition of our work, but as a celebration of the partnerships, friendships, and collaborations that continue to strengthen our movement throughout the state. When one community succeeds, we all move forward together.”

Winslow-Majette said the recognition is as much about the people standing beside her as it is about the honor.

“I am extremely honored to be recognized next to giants like Bishop Kevin, Madeline and Reubena,” Winslow-Majette said. “I have seen them in action and truly believe our movement has been sustained by their work. I’m a strong advocate for intergenerational spaces because there’s so much to share and learn. Having an intergenerational slate like this reinforces to Newark and New Jersey that we can only do this together.”

Newark Pride will also honor the legacy of Sakia Gunn, a 15-year-old Newark teenager whose 2003 murder became a defining moment in New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ history. Gunn was fatally stabbed after she and her friends rejected unwanted advances from two men while waiting for a bus. Her death drew renewed attention to anti-LGBTQ+ violence, particularly affecting Black lesbians.

Winslow-Majette said Gunn’s legacy continues to shape her own advocacy.

“I carry her legacy by intentionally saying her name in every speech, at every program and in many rooms,” she said. “We named an award after her at our Equality Ball to inspire young people to be themselves and understand that their impact can be astronomical.”

Taylor didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

This year’s theme, “Our Bodies. Our Stories. Our POWER!”, underscores both celebration and continued advocacy as LGBTQ+ communities continue to face political and legal challenges nationwide.

Newark Pride will recognize the grand marshals during GAWDLY: The Legacy Brunch on July 18 before they lead the parade the next day. The parade is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at Lincoln Park and conclude at Mulberry Commons Park. Readers can find the parade route and complete festival schedule on Newark Pride’s website.

Update: This story has been updated with comments from the co-founders of Out Montclair.

READ NATIVE ARTICLE HERE: https://outinjersey.net/newark-pride-names-four-grand-marshals-for-its-parade-july-19/