Salem Puts 'Pride' On Display Throughout City

SALEM, MA — Signs of Pride will be on display throughout the month to celebrate the city's LGBTQ+ community beginning with the raising of the Pride Inclusion flag at Riley Plaza and at the public schools.

"It is important to our community to know that they are seen, heard and celebrated," Superintendent Steve Zrike said. "Visibility is very important for our students, and our families, and our staff in the LGBTQIA+ community."

Zrike said Salem Prep students were part of the Riley Plaza ceremony and Collins Middle School Students were taught about the history of Pride month before holding their own parade indoors because of the weather.

Students are also invited to march in the North Shore Pride parade on June 25 and are invited to wear "Pride" colors to school on Friday.

"While we hope that our Pride is shown all throughout the year," Zrike said, "we do want to make sure this month there is a special recognition in celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community."

The Salem City Council approved Councilor Caroline Watson-Felt's draft of a proclamation officially declaring June "Pride Month" in Salem.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)