HONORING OUT-STANDING BROOKLYNITES

BP MARKOWITZ CELEBRATES LGBT PRIDE, HONORS OUTSTANDING BROOKLYNITES

LGBT Art Exhibit also on display at Borough Hall

On Thursday, June 9, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz celebrated the weeklong observance of Brooklyn Pride by honoring outstanding members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. Brooklyn is proud home to the city's largest LGBT population. Borough Hall also hosted an LGBT art exhibit, "Lights of Color," in the Borough Hall Community Room. The rainbow flag is flying over Brooklyn Borough Hall and the building was lighted in celebration of Pride Week.

BP Markowitz honored three individuals and an organization that have made strides to improve the lives of Brooklynites from all walks of life:

• M. Blaise Backer, executive director, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership
• Thomas Smith, founding board president, Brooklyn Community Pride Center
• Zully Rolan, chair, Brooklyn Pride, Inc.
• Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD), Inc.

In addition, on Saturday, June 11, BP Markowitz's float will appear in the 15th annual Brooklyn Pride Parade, which kicks off at 7:30 pm from 14th Street and Fifth Avenue. Earlier that day, at approximately 2:00pm, BP Markowitz will present a proclamation to Brooklyn Pride at Bartel-Pritchard Square (15th Street and Prospect Park West).

For more information on the day's events, visit www.brooklynpride.org .