By Jeremy Murray
MOBILE, Ala. – In celebration of Pride Month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, held a special event , June 25, 2024, highlighting the district’s continued dedication to diversity and inclusion.
This year's celebration the district was honored to featured two guest speakers: Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey and Marco Mays.
Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey is a well-known transgender woman of color who has dedicated her life to promoting inclusivity and equality. She shared her experiences and insights on how important it is to create environments where everyone feels accepted and valued, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Marco Mays, also known as "Sir Icon," is the Director of Programs for Montgomery Pride in Montgomery, AL. He works tirelessly to support the LGBTQ+ community by creating safe spaces and opportunities for people to thrive. His passion and dedication shone through as he talked about the work being done at Montgomery Pride.
"Marco Mays and Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey truly blew us away at the USACE Mobile District Pride Celebration. Their speeches were inspiring, heartfelt, and a powerful reminder of why embracing diversity and inclusion matters so much," said Juriel Rogers, Mobile District Pride Manager.
The event was spurred on meaningful discussions and personal stories. Anderson-Harvey spoke about the importance of making sure everyone feels respected and included. She highlighted the need for strong anti-discrimination policies and ongoing education about LGBTQ+ issues. She encouraged everyone to get involved with local LGBTQ+ organizations and participate in community events.
Mays focused on the importance of having strong support systems both at work and in the community. He shared information about the resources available through Montgomery Pride and stressed the impact of visibility and representation in media and public life.
The District reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusivity through this event. It provided a great platform for open dialogue, education, and sharing experiences, showing that the organization truly values equality for all its employees.
As Pride Month continues, the District remains dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and well-being.
Actively working to create a workplace culture where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.
“Pride is a moment to come together, share personal experiences, and celebrate the trailblazers who fought, and are still fighting for the right to exist in society safely and comfortably. It is critical we hold public spaces for the LGBTQ+ community because it breaks the silence, especially in the workplace.” Said Rogers, "celebrating pride month at Mobile District lets LBGTQ+ employees know they are valuable assets to fulfilling the mission."