Pride head quits over Sept. 11 schedule
The head of New Britain Pride announced he will quit because Hartford Pride’s weeklong festival culminates on Sept. 11, a “solemn” day that does not fit with a celebration.
New Britain Pride Chairman John Board wrote to Mayor Erin Stewart that he will step down at the end of August.
“There are times when one must take a principled stand — this is one of those times,” Board wrote on Friday. “Hartford Pride has made the decision to hold their Pride festival on Sept. 11, something I don’t feel comfortable with being associated with as chair of an affiliate, as this is one of the most solemn days on our calendar.”
Hartford Pride spokesman Jalmar De Dios said the weeklong festival, set for Sept. 6-11, has been held on the second week of September for several years. This year’s culminating event in Bushnell Park on Sept. 11 will include playing of the national anthem and a moment of silence to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks that killed about 3,000 people in 2001, De Dios said.
“We respect everyone’s opinion,” he said, but added he was a bit confused by Board’s stance, since New Britain Pride has no formal affiliation with Hartford Pride and there has been no other negative feedback about the timing of the festival from any other organizations or sponsors.
Board could not be reached immediately, but he posted on Facebook last week before announcing his resignation, “I am absolutely livid at Hartford Pride and Mayor Luke Bronin. Whoever made the decision to host the ‘main festival at Bushnell Park on September 11 with a concert’ on one of the solemn days in American history is wrong — especially on the 20th anniversary.”
Asked about the connections between New Britain Pride and the Hartford organization and festival, Board wrote in a related post that New Britain-based Stanley Black & Decker is a sponsor of the Hartford event. Board also wrote that he wants to give a new generation the opportunity to lead New Britain Pride.
A New Britain Pride Facebook post about Board’s resignation said Stewart will appoint a new chairperson.