State College Pride names state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta as grand marshal. Here’s why
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) — the first openly gay person of color elected to the Pennsylvania House — is set to speak at the annual State College Pride next month as its grand marshal, according to a Tuesday news release from one of the event’s primary organizers.
The third annual Pride event, which includes a festival and parade celebrating the LGBTQA community, is set to take place June 10 in downtown State College. Kenyatta will join the festivities alongside State College Mayor Ezra Nanes and State Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township.
“Having a grand marshal who is actively working to make the changes needed that lead to the protection of LGBT+ rights means a great deal to an event like State College Pride,” said Cat Cook, executive director of Centre LGBTQA Support Network. “Pride is not only a time to celebrate the community we love, but also a time to show support, enact advocacy and extend resources to those we serve, their families and the community.”
State College Pride kicks off with a Pride Fun Fair — with games, face painting, music, and more — from 4-8 p.m. June 9 at Sidney Friedman Park. On June 10, the day starts with a “Pride Ride” caravan and march at 3 p.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. festival at the park that will include music from Anchor & Arrow. Food trucks will also be on-hand.
Kenyatta, 32 years old, has served as a state representative since 2019. He gave a joint keynote address at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, joining two others to become the first openly-gay speakers to deliver a keynote at the DNC. A week ago, he was also among the 50 Democrats across the country named to the National Advisory Committee for President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
He was in Centre County last fall to help campaign for Takac. And he also sought to fundraise for the “Biden Barn” in central Pennsylvania when it burned down in 2021.
State College Pride is hosted by Centre LGBTQA Support Network, Downtown Improvement District and the Borough of State College. According to organizers, about 4,000 supporters attended last year’s festivities.
For more information, go to statecollegepride.com.
