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June was full — in the very best way. I had the honor of taking part in several community celebrations that reminded me why this work, and this community, matter so much. I was proud to help raise the Pride flag at my local City Hall to mark the start of Pride Month, standing alongside others in celebrating visibility, belonging, and the freedom to be fully ourselves. I helped to coordinate my city’s second annual Juneteenth celebration, which was nothing short of a success — drawing hundreds of attendees from across New England and beyond. Watching a small idea grow into a regional gathering, two years running, has been one of the true joys of my year. I was also honored to be a guest speaker for the first of seven community potlucks taking place across the state of Maine this year, part of a series celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The series is organized by Community Plate, and the concept is simple and lovely: everyone is welcome, and you're strongly encouraged to sit with people you don't know. Strangers come together, share a meal, swap recipes and stories, and often leave as friends. I made my mother's Arroz Caldo, a dish that originates from the Philippines, and had the chance to talk about where it comes from and what it means to my family. If you'd like to learn more about the series or attend a future event, visit communityplate.me.
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