Fall River celebrates its first Pride crosswalk and is one of the few to have one installed in the region.
 
With the support from The Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition (FRACC), the Fall River Pride Committee has received the City’s approval to paint a rainbow crosswalk outside of Government Center. The installation will be done by local artist Brad Eadie/Eli Mae. “Painting this crosswalk will be both an honor and a humbling experience. It is a chance to help our community be seen and help many feel valued. May this be a symbol of a safe crossing towards acceptance and love. Thank you to each and everyone.”
 
Though she celebrates the positive impact rainbow crosswalks have had across the globe, FRACC Executive Director Ashley Occhino says we need to stay conscious of the challenges that continue long after the paint dries. “I encourage people to come out and take pictures and put them on social media, but it is important to note that this public art is part of a broader strategy to help more queer and trans people by providing a backdrop for change.”
 
The installation of the Pride crosswalk is one of many steps the Fall River community is taking to show its ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Pride Crosswalk will be installed in advance of the Fall River Pride Committee’s 3rd Annual Pride Festival activities. The official unveiling will occur during the Somewhere Over the Rainbow-themed Festival on June 5th (rain date on June 26th).
 
“I am so incredibly thrilled to be able to paint a downtown crosswalk with the colors of the rainbow,” says Sean Connell, President of the Fall River Pride Committee. “This will serve as a wonderful year-round reminder that the City of Fall River embraces the LGBTQ community and has a deep, profound love and respect for all of our city’s diverse populations.” 
 
From noon to 5 PM, the community is invited to celebrate with live drag performances, a DJ, over 30 community organizations and vendors, food trucks, a photo booth, and much more. Follow the yellow brick road and their Facebook page for updates - facebook.com/FallRiverPrideco.
 
Special thanks go out to the City of Fall River, Mayor Paul J. Coogan and Laura Ferreira, Director of Traffic & Parking, for their support of the LGBTQIA+ community and this crosswalk. The crosswalk painting will not have any fiscal impact on taxpayers as the costs will fall on the Fall River Pride Committee. The Committee secured support from Home Depot, and thanks them for donating paint and supplies.