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Council proclaims Juneteenth and Pride month; residents urge flag display and inclusion
Summary
The mayor read proclamations for Pride and Juneteenth; public commenters urged more visible municipal flag displays and criticized the council for not signing the Pride proclamation and for inconsistent attendance at cultural events.
Federal Way — At the June 17 meeting Mayor Farrell read proclamations marking Pride Month and Juneteenth, and public commenters used the public-comment period to urge the city to make flag displays and public participation more consistent.
The mayor read a proclamation recognizing Pride Month and described the city’s commitment to dignity and equality. "Whereas we appreciate the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus community," the proclamation text read as presented at the meeting.
During public comment, longtime community member Catherine North urged the city to fly the Pride flag on March and to have council members sign the proclamation: "For those people that are feeling conflicted or unsure about their [sexual orientation], seeing a pride flag flying on March is not going to turn them gay ... maybe this is a safe place to be," North said. She criticized what she described as the council’s uneven support for public celebrations and asked that signatures appear on future proclamations.
Other speakers praised the city’s Juneteenth flag-raising and diversity work. Diversity Commission Chair Ron Walker accepted the Juneteenth proclamation and urged vigilance against modern forms of exploitation, saying the celebration should be paired with awareness of ongoing injustice.
Council and staff responses: Mayor Farrell and council members acknowledged the comments and noted several upcoming cultural events, including a Juneteenth flag-raising at City Hall and other community celebrations. Some councilmembers encouraged greater council attendance at community events.
What happens next: The city will hold a Juneteenth flag-raising on June 18 and various community events; public speakers asked the council to consider evening scheduling for some observances to increase attendance.
