What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1263710
Leah Spears- Blackmon, community banker, addresses how she and wife Micah Spears-Blackmon, owner and chef at Early Bird Catering, are coping with the general sense of grief we all may be experiencing: Micah and I are both essential workers. Between trying to keep our catering business out of the ditch and me going to work every day supporting frontline bankers, we are exhausted. And then with the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks — and the list just keeps growing… There are nights when we just cry. We are devouring material to learn how to be better allies. Sometimes there are no words. BUT! Most of the time there are words — talking through those concerns and grief. Communicating feelings. Allowing ourselves to be sad, and then celebrating BIG when we are happy. WEARING OUR DAMN MASKS. Micah and I have a dear tribe of family and friends who are our support system. We get together in a back yard or on a driveway as often as possible. For me personally, dedicated alone time in the mornings to read and pray, long walks after work, physically distanced happy hours, and yoga a few times a week are saving my life. Take heart, friends. And take good care of yourselves. You are not alone. 10 WHAT'S UP! JUNE 28-JULY 4, 2020 COVER STORY Josh Murphree, Parade Operations Coordinator with NWA Pride Leah Spears-Blackmon, (left) community banker, and wife Micah Spears-Blackmon, owner and chef at Early Bird Catering Richard Gathright, Director and Festival Manager with NWA Equality Richard Gathright, director and festival manager with NWA Equality, reveals the first moment that comes to mind when thinking of having pride in his community: When the For Fayetteville movement started. I was so impressed with the group of folks, including the mayor and the majority of the city council, that were pushing to pass protections for the LGBTQ community that would prohibit workplace and housing discrimination. It took some time and a couple tries, but 52.8% of the city voted in favor of the non-discrimination ordinance, which really brought joy to my heart and reaffirmed why I love Fayetteville. Long story short, the state challenged the ordinance and it was eventually struck down by the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2019. Fortunately, on June 15, 2020, the United States Supreme Court had a different opinion, and it changed everything for the LGBTQ community. Pride Continued From Page 9 See Pride Page 38 Josh Murphree, parade operations coordinator with NWA Pride, recalls one of his proudest memories being a Fayetteville resident: There have been many times when I've been proud to live in Fayetteville. This city sort of provides that feeling on a regular basis. But for me, one of the greatest moments I've experienced was at NWA Pride 2019. As the parade operations coordinator, I have a front-row seat to every single float and group in that parade, and part of my job is directing the groups on when to start the route. You know those moments where you have to freeze and take everything in so you can remember everything that's happening? I had a few of those last year that — even through the stress, sweat, rain and loss of voice — brought tears to my eyes. I've noticed the last couple of years that I develop a bit of an audience at the start of the parade, and these folks are the best. I remember specifically announcing the Planned Parenthood group last year and the cheers and applause were deafening. The overwhelming show of support and love for a group who doesn't really get that a lot, it just meant the world. I really have the best seat in the house for the parade. There's something about being surrounded by a community overflowing with love and support that makes all of the stress, worry, headache, all of it, just wash away. I love this town. And while we can't celebrate and have the parade in person this year, I'm very much looking forward to going bigger and better next year. Happy Pride.