PRIDE Month – We All Belong
By Trista Stout-Walker, Vice President of Community Impact
I recently had the pleasure of traveling with my family out West for a wedding. Growing up, I would shudder to admit that I was from Alabama, especially rural Alabama. My fear would focus on how I was perceived or society’s perception of how we talk or live. My recent travels showed me that Alabamians are very proud. We wear our RTR hats or War Eagle t-shirts proudly. All you have to do is say “Roll Tide” in a crowd and immediately find a new friend. We visited three different states and I encountered numerous residents of Alabama. In Gardiner, Montana, the Iron Horse Bar & Grill is owned and operated from a native of Tuscaloosa. It was decked out with Alabama memorabilia and even had a license plate from Washington County.
I say all of this to say, Alabama is proud of our heritage, families, and communities. We are moving in the right direction and striving to strengthen our counties. As we celebrate Pride Month, we should recognize and celebrate our differences because that is what makes our culture and communities. Whether it be in the gifted gospel singer at church or the dedicated volunteer that demonstrates service over self.
Southwest Alabama thrives on the love that we share for each other. UWSWA works with 46 partner agencies that provide services to those in need. We focus on ensuring that each person has access to education, health supports, financial stability, and life’s basic needs. Please reach out to 2-1-1 if you or someone you love needs support.