City Manager update: June 2025
June 5, 2025
Honoring City values as we celebrate Pride Month and Juneteenth
June is a powerful month of celebration and reflection. It marks both Pride Month—a time to honor the resilience and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community—and Juneteenth, a commemoration of freedom and perseverance for Black Americans.
The City of Vancouver remains committed to our core values of inclusion, equity and compassion. Pride Month reminds us of the ongoing fight to recognize and affirm LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms. Juneteenth, recognized as a Federal holiday on June 19, is a vital moment in American history, reminding us of the enduring struggle for justice and the achievements of Black communities.
This month, local events will commemorate both Pride Month and Juneteenth. The Pride Block Party on Saturday, June 14 (7th and Main), the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on Saturday, June 14 (Esther Short Park), followed next month by Saturday Pride in the Park on July 12 (Esther Short Park), all provide opportunities to celebrate, learn about the histories that shape us, and reflect on ways to build a more inclusive and equitable future for Vancouver.
The City is raising both the Pride Flag and the Juneteenth Flag at City Hall in recognition and to visibly demonstrate that Vancouver is welcoming to all.
Observing Pride Month and Juneteenth is just one of several significant steps the City is taking to support equity for residents and employees. On June 2, the City Council officially proclaimed June Pride Month in Vancouver. The City also just hired its second Equity and Inclusion Program Director who will oversee the City’s Strategic Plan for Equity and Inclusion (EI), and EI training for employees.
We all have a part to play in creating a community where everyone is safe included and treated with respect, not just in June, but every day of the year.
