Bloomfield Celebrates LGBTQ Pride Month With 2 Proclamations

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield Town Council presented two Pride-related proclamations at their recent meeting.

The council offered a proclamation in recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month at their June 8 meeting.

Bloomfield council member at-large Jill Fischman read the proclamation, which follows below:

WHEREAS, this nation was founded on the principle that every individual was born free and equal in dignity and rights; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Council of the Township of Bloomfield calls upon the people of this municipality to embrace this principle and work to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists; and

WHEREAS, while society at large increasingly supports LGBTQ+ equality, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ individuals have had immeasurable impact to the cultural, civic and economic successes of our country, our state, our town; and

WHEREAS, June is celebrated as Pride Month on the nation, state, county and local level throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Bloomfield is committed to supporting visibility, dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people in our diverse community; and

WHEREAS, celebrating Pride Month influences awareness and provides support and advocacy for the Township of Bloomfield’s LGBTQ+ community, and is an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue to strengthen alliances, build acceptance and advance equal rights; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Bloomfield joins the State of New Jersey and County of Essex in honoring the history of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in supporting the rights of all citizens to experience equality and freedom from discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Bloomfield Pride is a civic group dedicated to celebrating, educating and advocating for the LGBTQ+ residents of Bloomfield, NJ, with the mission to create and maintain Bloomfield as a place that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all people, has planned multiple events and activities for Pride month.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JENNY MUNDELL, as Mayor of the Township of Bloomfield along with members of the Township Council, hereby recognizes and proclaims the month of June 2026 as Pride Month in support of the LGBTQ+ community and encourages all residents to take part in the planned celebrations this month, and to advocate for equity and inclusivity year-round.

Watch video footage from the council meeting below (article continues underneath):

LOCAL PRIDE ORGANIZER HONORED

The council also presented a proclamation in honor of local community advocate and educator, Mary Valentine.

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, Mary Valentine has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her life, beginning in her youth when she naturally brought people together, organized community activities, and inspired those around her to work toward common goals; and

WHEREAS, while attending Rutgers University, Mary helped establish an organization dedicated to building community and advocating for LGBTQ+ students, demonstrating an early commitment to inclusion, equity, and service; and

WHEREAS, Mary possesses a distinctive leadership style characterized not by authority or force, but by compassion, collaboration, and the ability to inspire others to work together for the betterment of their communities; and

WHEREAS, as an educator and Assistant Principal, Mary has dedicated her professional career to supporting students, fostering educational excellence, and helping young people realize their full potential through understanding, acceptance, and encouragement; and

WHEREAS, Mary served as an instrumental founding member of Bloomfield Pride following the tragic mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, helping transform a community vigil into a lasting organization dedicated to visibility, support, advocacy, and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community; and

WHEREAS, through her leadership, Bloomfield Pride has organized educational programs, Pride picnics, car parades during the COVID-19 pandemic, movie nights, participation in community events, advocacy for Pride banners in Bloomfield Center, and support for residents during times of celebration and loss; and

WHEREAS, Mary recognized the importance of creating community for LGBTQ+ residents and their families, helping to build an organization that brought together neighbors, businesses, elected officials, allies, and LGBTQ+ individuals from across the Township, strengthening Bloomfield's reputation as a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community; and

WHEREAS, Mary's dedication, vision, and service have helped Bloomfield Pride become a meaningful force for visibility, acceptance, and community connection, ensuring that all residents feel valued, respected, and supported;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Jenny Mundell, Mayor of the Township of Bloomfield, together with the members of the Township Council, do hereby recognize and honor Mary Valentine for her outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to education, and extraordinary contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and the Township of Bloomfield.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township extends its gratitude and appreciation to Mary Valentine for her years of service, advocacy, and community-building, and celebrates the lasting impact she has made on the lives of countless residents.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.