Rainbow crosswalk pays homage to Atlanta’s LGBTQ community
Yesterday was the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting that rocked the nation, and to mark the day of remembrance, Atlanta announced that it would be permanently painting the crosswalk in midtown into a rainbow.
“Today, on the anniversary of this horrific event, we remember those whose lives were lost and those that were forever changed,” Mayor Kasim Reed said on Monday. “Our thoughts and prayers were with you then, and they remain with you today.”
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“I believe that symbols of unity matter; in recognition of the outstanding and ongoing contributions of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community to our city, I am pleased to announce today that the City will install the rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street year-round,” Reed said, adding that he could not think of a more pertinent time to honor the LGBTQ community than at a time when the nation was remembering the worst mass shooting in its history, which targeted a club that catered to that community.
The section of midtown was chosen because of its significance and long history as a hub for the LGBTQ community in Atlanta.
“It is fitting that such an important and recognizable place should feature the rainbow flag,” Reed said.
