Atlanta, Georgia. – The Atlanta Pride Committee (APC) is pleased to announce that the 2014 Atlanta Parade Grand Marshals have been selected!
The Grand Marshals are comprised of individuals and organizations, residing or based in Georgia who have contributed significantly to the LGBTQ community in Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
The 2014 Atlanta Pride Parade Grand Marshals are:
- Faisal Alam, Public Speaker and Project Consultant
- Michael Bishop, Attorney, AT&T; and Shane Thomas, Realtor, Remax
- RayShawn Chandler, Flight Attendant, Delta Air Lines; and Avery Chandler, Law Enforcement Officer, Atlanta Police Department; Sergeant, United States Army
- Stephanie Guilloud, Co-Director of Project South: Institute for the Elimination of Poverty & Genocide
- Tony Kearney, Events and Fundraising Consultant
- Sheila Merritt, Project Manager and Event Consultant
- Arlene Noriega, Ph.D., Co-owner and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Rock Bridge Psychological Associates, LLC
- Ria Pell, Chef and Owner, Ria’s Bluebird
- Ruby Redd, Manager and Saturday Show Director, Jungle Atlanta; Fundraiser, Lost-N-Found Youth
- Michael D. Shutt, Assistant Dean for Campus Life and Director of the Office of LGBT Life, Emory University
- Jennifer Sisson
- Mr. Shelton Stroman and Dr. Christopher Inniss, Owners, Snellville Pet Resort
- Georgia Safe Schools Coalition
- The Southern Regional Office of Lambda Legal
(For more information regarding these individuals and organizations, please see attached documentation at the bottom of this post.)
Atlanta Pride Committee Executive Director, Buck Cooke, said, ” The individuals being honored are from a wide variety of occupations and walks of life, but they all are putting their time and talents to work for our LGBTQ community in Atlanta and around Georgia. From organizing fundraisers to leading LGBTQ community and civic organizations to fighting for marriage equality, these folks are our friends and neighbors and they are doing inspiring things for our community.“
The APC noted that nominations were solicited earlier in the year and from that, APC received over 50 nominations representing a wide range of individuals and organizations throughout Atlanta’s LGBTQ community.
Cooke stated, “We are so appreciative of our community members who took the time to submit nominations and I have to say you did an excellent job this year. The field of individuals and organizations who were nominated was outstanding and it yielded a truly impressive array of Grand Marshals for 2014.”
Regarding the organizations that were recognized, Cooke said, “As for our organizational honorees this year. The Georgia Safe Schools Coalition and the Southern Regional Office of Lambda Legal are literally working every day to ensure that the quality of life is better for LGBTQ Georgians. While their work impacts us today, it is exciting to think about the future of our state as a result of their good work.”
These community leaders will be featured in the annual Atlanta Pride Parade, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, that takes place at 1p on Sunday, October 12.
In the coming weeks, Honorary Grand Marshals will be announced as well. Honorary Grand Marshals are individuals who do not live in Georgia, who have a national or international reputation and are committed to LGBTQ-related causes and activism.
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About Atlanta Pride: The main purpose of the Atlanta Pride Committee (APC,) a 501 (c) organization, is to promote unity, visibility and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and queer persons and to promote a positive image in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeastern United States through community activities and services.
The main mission of the APC is to provide lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender and queer persons with cultural and educational programs and activities which enhance
mental and physical health, provide social support, and foster an awareness of the past and present contributions of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and queer persons, through community activities and services, including an annual Pride event.
Media Contact:
Atlanta Pride Committee
Buck Cooke
Executive Director
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p. 404.382.7588
attachments: Atlanta Pride 2014 Grand Marshal Quotes - CLICK HERE
Atlanta Pride 2014 Grand Marshal Bios - CLICK HERE
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