Twin Ports Celebrates its First Disability Pride Event

DULUTH, Minn.– Across the state of Minnesota, numerous disability pride events have been celebrated.

And now, advocates felt it was time for the Twin Ports to join in.

“The reason we’re doing this, is we want to celebrate disabilities, their contributions to our community, we’re here to stay. It doesn’t discriminate,” said Amanda Crosby, Executive Director ‘Arc Northland’.

Around the steps of city hall, plenty of resources and advocates filled the tents, giving out knowledge, advice, and a chance to support one another.

The gathering featured guest speakers, including both Duluth and Superior’s mayors giving a proclamation.

Today’s pride event is also acknowledging 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Being the first year we didn’t really know what to expect, right? And we’ve been blown away so far with the community support. Even when we sent out ask letters, or letters to describe the event, we had so much response,” said Meredith Kujala, Program Coordinator ‘Advocating Change Together’.

“We hope people can come, be inspired. Maybe they didn’t know where to do to ask for help before. We have a bunch of advocates here that can help,” said Crosby.

And based on this year’s turn out, organizers are wasting no time getting ready for next year’s celebration.

“Here in the Northland, I know that we have a great community. I know that we have great people. And so being able to pull this together I knew the community would show up. And they did, and I couldn’t be happier. I am so stoked,” beamed Kujala.