The month of June is a month ripe for reflection both of self and the past and that is exactly what Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking is inviting residents to do, especially over the next week.
Cocking joined KVOE Monday morning for the monthly Q&A With Trey Segment which comes just days before two important celebrations. Juneteenth, which commemorates the last day when enslaved Americans were informed of the Emancipation Proclamation marking the official end to slavery in 1865 is Wednesday.
Following Juneteenth will be the kickoff for Emporia’s annual Pride festivities with a comedy show kickoff event at Casa Ramos at 8 pm Thursday. With those events in mind, Cocking says regardless of how or if you plan to celebrate the occasion, he encourages all to take just a moment to look back on where we have come as a society and the great changes that have occurred over the past several years.
Cocking says that includes a change in perspective as while we may not always agree on certain issues, there does appear to be more of a consensus, at least locally, that everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect.
In addition to pausing for reflection over the next week, Cocking also suggested residents consider reaching out to someone of a different background to engage in civil and informative dialogue. He says that reaching out and trying to understand another’s perspective, while you may not agree with it entirely, is a great way to continue fostering change and growth.
While it has been celebrated and recognized unofficially for many years, Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021. Just last year, it was added to Kansas’ list of state holidays.
Pride Month meanwhile, began following the Stonewall riots in 1969 and is noted for its message of love and inclusion for all people. In addition to Thursday’s comedy kickoff event, local activities will include the third Pride Live Friday at 6 pm at the corner of 9th and Commercial.
The annual Pride Parade and drag celebration will take place Saturday on Commercial Street and inside of the Emporia Granada Theatre.
