Keizer City Council honors LGBTQ pride and youth engagement

The Keiser City Council convened on June 3, 2024, to address several key issues, including the proclamation of June as LGBTQ Pride Month and the recognition of the outgoing youth city councilor.

Mayor Cathy Clark opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The session featured a significant focus on LGBTQ Pride Month, with community members Neveah Music and Benita Picasso representing the Diversity Engagement Committee. Music delivered a poignant speech reflecting on the importance of inclusivity and the need for ongoing support for the LGBTQ community in Keiser. She expressed disappointment over the city's perceived lack of commitment to diversity, citing past challenges in organizing a pride parade and the need for more visible support beyond the annual proclamation.

In response, Mayor Clark acknowledged Music's contributions and highlighted her role in the community. Music shared her plans to revamp the Keiser Skate Park, aiming to foster community engagement and provide positive activities for local youth, particularly in light of rising drug issues among teens.

The council also recognized Grayton Woodard, the youth city councilor, for his service during the past school year. Woodard reflected on his experience, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and collaboration within the council. He plans to pursue political science at the University of Washington after graduation.

The meeting concluded with the mayor reading the official proclamation for Pride Month, affirming the city's commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect, and encouraging residents to celebrate the diversity within the community.