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Pride and Protest: Pair of events unites those opposed to president's actions
Jun. 15—MORGANTOWN — On Saturday, Morgantown found itself at the crossing of protest and pride.
In the morning, protesters gathered in support of the movement "No Kings Day." By afternoon, the Morgantown rail-trail was alive with music, rainbows and community as Morgantown Pride hosted its annual block party. Though different, both events were united in a message to protect rights.
First, a rally lined the sidewalks of Evansdale with people holding handmade signs and peacefully chanting "No kings !" and "This is what democracy looks like !"
The demonstration was part of a movement organized in opposition that participants called "the erosion of democratic norms and rising government overreach."
"This country doesn't have kings, " said Ron Allen, a member of the Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group. "We're against authoritarianism, which is the direction this administration is heading."
Allen called the day's march not just a protest, but a stand to "preserve our democratic rights and fend for democracy."
"If he really wanted to honor the military, he could have done it on July 4, " Allen said. "This is a counterpoint to that. People across the country are mobilizing, and we're proud to be part of it."
The nationwide protests were scheduled to coincide with the massive military parade taking place in Washington, D.C., to mark the U.S. Army's 250th birthday. Saturday was also President Trump's 79th birthday.
By early afternoon, the day shifted to a celebration over the rail-trail for the Morgantown Pride Block Party.
Jeffrey Shears, the new president of Morgantown Pride, greeted attendees as they came to celebrate. The day was full of events like drag shows, music, local vendors and family-friendly activities.
"It's a great day for Morgantown, " Shears said. "It's a great day any time our town rallies around a cause. Whether it's protest or pride, our community shows up."
Planning this year's events came with challenges, Shears said, as they faced reduced support following the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion measures.
"We're so used to having corporate sponsors, " he said. "With DEI going away, we've really seen who supports our community and who doesn't."
Shears, a military veteran and former Mr. Rainbow Pride of West Virginia, said his mission now is to serve and defend his community.
"I spent 20 years defending our country, " he said. "Now I'm spending the rest of my life defending our community."
For performer Bella la Vall, who took the stage during the block party, the connection between the morning protest and the Pride celebration was more than clear.
"Sometimes, the most rebellious thing you can do is be gay, be proud, be an artist, " she said. "Even this Pride event is a 'No Kings' protest, without calling itself that."
Originally from New York, Bella stayed in Morgantown after college because of the strong support system she found here.
"There's something powerful about being visible in a world that often wants you to shrink, " she said. "When you have your community, you can get through anything."
