Celebrate Peekskill’s spirited Pride recognitions , four locals honoured at City Hall for arts, activism, preservation and volunteerism, a reminder that community, liberation and resistance really do start at home.

Essential Takeaways

  • Four honoured: Artist Carla Rae Johnson, Studio Theater in Exile co‑founder Mara Mills, real estate pro John Perrone and Peekskill Pride secretary Laura Piucci each received proclamations at Peekskill City Hall.
  • Local impact: Honourees were recognised for creativity, advocacy, historic preservation and hands‑on volunteer leadership that benefits families and neighbourhoods.
  • Theme matters: New York State’s 2026 Pride theme, “For Us All,” framed the event around inclusion, community and resistance.
  • Warm, civic tone: Presentations by Mayor Vivian McKenzie blended gratitude and a call to action , celebration paired with continued activism.
  • Practical next step: Peekskill Pride and city calendars list year‑round events; Family Pride in the Park remains a key community gathering.

A city comes together , colourful, vocal and personal

Peekskill’s Pride recognitions felt intimate and earnest, with sunlight and applause traded for heartfelt speeches and civic proclamations at City Hall. According to local council materials and the city calendar, Mayor Vivian McKenzie presented the honours on 22 June to four community figures whose work spans art, theatre, real estate and grassroots organising. The mood was celebratory but purposeful , a reminder that Pride in Peekskill is both party and public service.

Carla Rae Johnson: art as comfort and defiance

Artist Carla Rae Johnson was honoured for creating the Peekskill Pride Flag after the Pulse massacre, a gesture that still carries emotional weight. Her proclamation notes decades of artistic contributions, from monthly salon gatherings at BeanRunner Café to the Democracy Project quilt initiative. Johnson used her acceptance to call for joy as resistance, thanking her partner and the community; it’s clear her work is both a soothing presence and a civic prompt.

Practical tip: if you’re looking to support local artists, check community event listings and buy work directly at salons or local galleries , it keeps cultural projects like Johnson’s thriving.

Mara Mills and Studio Theater in Exile: theatre that meets the moment

Mara Mills was recognised for more than forty‑five years in the arts, and for co‑founding Studio Theater in Exile at Hudson Valley MOCA. Her projects explore identity, displacement and equity, and she’s repeatedly partnered with Peekskill Pride to stage works that amplify LGBTQ+ stories. Mills framed the award as a shared achievement, praising Peekskill as a place where activism and art can live side by side.

Why it matters: community theatre often leads cultural shifts by making complex histories feel human. Look out for local productions that pair creativity with conversation , they’re often the best places to learn and belong.

John Perrone: homes, history and inclusive neighbourhoods

John Perrone’s recognition shows Pride work isn’t limited to parades and plays; it also happens in real estate offices and preservation boards. As a long‑time resident, member of the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals and chair of the Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board, Perrone has worked to make Peekskill both welcoming and historically mindful. His stewardship of local landmarks signals an approach to inclusion that’s about place as much as policy.

Practical insight: when choosing a neighbourhood, ask about local preservation efforts and inclusive housing groups , they can indicate how welcome your household will feel.

Laura Piucci: volunteerism that starts with a question

Laura Piucci’s journey from park visitor to Peekskill Pride secretary began with a simple, brave question , “How can I help?” Her proclamation highlights years of service, family involvement and hands‑on leadership that sustain Peekskill Pride’s programmes. Piucci’s story is a good nudge: community roles often begin with a single step forward.

Advice: want to help but unsure how? Start at the information booth at an event or check Peekskill Pride’s website for board and volunteer opportunities.

Looking ahead: Pride beyond June

Peekskill’s calendar and Peekskill Pride’s event pages show that Pride energy here isn’t confined to a month. Family Pride in the Park and other gatherings keep civic engagement live through the year. The city’s recognitions are part of a broader local rhythm where arts, housing, preservation and volunteering overlap to create an inclusive place to live.

It’s a small change that can make every contribution count , whether you’re making art, building homes or asking how to help.

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