Events committee reviews awards reception, plans for Pride march and heritage programming

The Community and Nonprofit Engagement and Events Committee reported that its recent awards reception drew about 63 RSVPs and roughly 40 people in the room at most times, and members described the event as successful.

Members discussed follow-up to the event, including sending brief thank-you notes for publication and selecting photos for posting. Staff asked commissioners to send specific photo selections rather than bulk image dumps so the communications team can edit and post them.

The committee also discussed participating in the Capital District Pride march on June 8. Members said there is typically a city delegation; registration for the march has a May 23 deadline and a $50 registration fee. Staff offered to determine whether the commission can join the city’s delegation or must register separately and to organize a preliminary headcount.

Separately, Katrina reported that an outside group had asked whether the commission would host or collaborate on a “Lehi heritage fund” program at the Madison Avenue Theater (or as part of the Rotunda series). Options discussed included a guest speaker, a film showing or a panel. Latino Heritage events were cited for Sept. 15 and Black History Month programming was mentioned as a natural fit for commission participation.

Members also raised the Henry Johnson award ceremony, which the meeting record shows is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the City of Albany Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025; staff said they would notify recipients by email and phone.

No formal votes were taken; staff will follow up on registration logistics, photo selection, and event coordination.