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Nutley issues Pride Month and Gun Violence Awareness proclamations; advocates urge preventive action
Summary
Nutley commissioners proclaimed June as Pride Month and June 5 as Gun Violence Awareness Day; Nutley Pride executive director Angelica Midolo and gun‑safety advocates outlined local activities and urged policies such as safe‑storage and support for intervention programs.
The Board of Commissioners opened its June 4 meeting with two community proclamations: recognition of June as Pride Month and a declaration naming June 5, 2026 National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Nutley.
Mayor Kelly read the Pride Month proclamation and invited remarks from Angelica Midolo, executive director of Nutley Pride, who said the organization has built local programs since 2019 and “our community deserves to be seen, heard, protected, and loved.” Midolo listed recent Nutley Pride activities — drive donations for the Nutley Family Service Bureau, drag brunches, partnership with County events — and thanked the board for its support.
A religious leader introduced during the Pride presentation spoke in support of inclusion and described faith‑based efforts to welcome LGBTQ residents.
Later the board approved a gun‑violence awareness proclamation presented by local advocates Peg Ziko and Alicia Sylvester of Everytown and Moms Demand Action. Ziko summarized national and state trends, cited increases in concealed‑carry permit applications since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision, and urged local support for evidence‑based intervention programs and consideration of the New Jersey Home Safety Act (secure storage) currently before the state legislature.
Commissioners from across the political spectrum voiced support for responsible gun ownership while emphasizing prevention and community safety. Peg Ziko and colleagues distributed orange ribbons and information for the June 5 observance.
The proclamations were ceremonial but prompted public comment from residents who praised the board’s actions and urged continued community outreach and resources for at‑risk youth.
