Texarkanians mark Day of Pride

Festival included music, parade and more

Equality Texarkana’s second annual Day of Pride Parade included more than just a march through downtown Texarkana Saturday, and there was plenty of festive music, live entertainment and speeches to prove it.

The festivities received an added dose of star power provided by the Texarkana native, singer, songwriter and former “The Voice” contestant Stephanie Rice.

“While I live in Los Angeles, I want you all to know that my heart is here in Texarkana and I’m back in my home town today to let you all know two very critical things. Number one: you are not alone, and number two: love conquers all.”

The recording artist spoke

during the event organized by Equality Texarkana, a group founded locally two years ago, which is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ issues as well as fighting discrimination on multiple fronts.

“As I was driving into town, I remembered as a kid being told that being gay was wrong, but today marks the day that Texarkana will be the place where there is hope and change,” Rice said. “I’ve been down dark and lonely roads in life, but I know that we are all beautifully and wonderfully made.”

Just before the parade, Jimmy Pope, Equality Texarkana’s CEO and founder, spoke.

“It’s a total honor to be be here and do this for you all today,” he said. “It thrills my heart to see so many different people here today.”

Twin Cities Church of Christ pastor David Watkins said it’s his desire to connect with the community.

“Your work for equality has changed this community, and no matter who you are, you are welcomed at the foot of the cross.”

Mark Vaughn, one of the organization’s board members and counselors, said that in the last two years, the nation’s overall suicide rate has increased by 25 percent and the LBGTQ community is part of that.

Following the parade, Rice delivered a message to all parents.

“Parents, I beg of you to love your children endlessly and unconditionally,” she said. “For all those facing discrimination, I want you to find an ally, someone who loves and supports you. It’s important to share our voices and to remember that love always wins.”

Staff photo by Greg Bischof ■ Songwriter and recording artist Stephanie Rice, a Texarkana native, leads the second annual Day of Pride Parade on Saturday in downtown Texarkana. Equality Texarkana planned both the parade and the musical festival.

Staff photo by Greg Bischof ■ Parade participants gather in one of the lead floats Saturday at the second annual Day of Pride Parade in downtown Texarkana. The participants consisted of many members of Equality Texarkana, a local group organized to work on discrimination issues...

Staff photo by Greg Bischof ■ Food vendors and other commercial vendors set up along East Front Street during the second annual Day of Pride Parade on Saturday in downtown Texarkana. Organizers expanded this year’s event to include a musical festival.