Stonewall Columbus is pleased to announce the selection of Ohio State University President Dr. Karen Holbrook and Ohio State University Student Government President Ryan Fournier as Grand Marshal’s for this year’s Pride Holiday Parade and Festivities.
After careful consideration and spirited debate, the Stonewall Columbus Board of Trustees, under the recommendation of the 2006 Pride Holiday Committee, voted to elect Karen Holbrook and Ryan Fournier to Grand Marshal, this signature year for Stonewall Columbus’s Pride Holiday. “It is wonderful to live and work in a community, where not only the President of the second largest student body has been accepted as an openly-gay student president, but also to have the support of OSU’s Chief Officer,” said Stonewall Columbus Board of Trustees President, Dr. Jim Ford. “Dr. Holbrook has been a pioneer for GLBT rights here in Ohio, being a beacon for equality, for all that work and live in our state,” continued Dr. Ford
The Grand Marshal’s will be preceded in the parade, by the original signers of the Articles of Incorporation, which were signed in 1981. Although some of the original signatories are not available, both Craig Covey and Val Thogmartin have agreed to take part in this year’s parade and festivities. Craig Huffman, an original signer and co-founder, currently living in Washington, DC, plans to be in town the week prior to attend various Pride events. Keith McKnight the fourth signer, has since passed away, but will be recognized during this year’s parade. “We are delighted that both Craig and Val are going to be able to join us for this year’s Pride Holiday. They mark the historical significance of Stonewall’s past, as Mr. Fournier encompasses the future of the GLBT movement,” said Interim Executive Director Kellye Pinkleton.
President Karen Holbrook and President Ryan Fournier will be marshaled into Bicentennial Park, as they lead the Pride Holiday Parade with our featured “Founders” car on Saturday, June 24th, 2006. Step-off for the parade is at 11 a.m., Goodale Park, and will proceed to Bicentennial Park, via High Street.
The Stonewall Columbus Community Center supports the Central Ohio LGBT community and provides programming and support services that enhance the well-being of our diverse community through discovery, affirmation and celebration.
Stonewall Columbus is a 501(c)3 charitable organization serving all of Central Ohio. More information about Stonewall Columbus is available online at: www.stonewallcolumbus.org.
