A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - June 2018
June is LGBT Pride Month, a month dedicated to observing the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to the United States. It is also a time to remember the many obstacles they have overcome in their journey for equal rights. Members of the LGBT and recently added "Q" (for questioning or queer) community have made many significant contributions to our nation through politics, entertainment, art, culture, medicine and science. The month of June was chosen to coincide with the Stonewall riots of June 1969, which brought the LGBTQ community's struggle for equal rights to the national forefront. 
Throughout the month, many pride events will be held to recognize the rights and impact of the LGBTQ community such as outdoor festivals and parades. Members of our LifeBridge Health team will also march alongside our float at Baltimore's Pride Parade on June 16. If you'd like to join us for the event, please email Lori Clark at loclark@lifebridgehealth.org.
On June 2, 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act was enacted, granting indigenous people born in the United States the rights and privileges of being American citizens. While the law did not offer the full protection of voting rights to Indians and American Indians who faced other stifling provisions, the Act did correct some of the inequities they faced before 1924. It also allowed Native Americans to retain their tribal affiliations and thus cultural traditions as a U.S. citizen.
On June 14, people across the country will celebrate Flag Day to commemorate the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States in 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. While some places in the U.S. will hold Flag Day parades or other festivities, the day will give each of us an opportunity to reflect on all of the freedoms we enjoy and appreciate the rich diversity of our nation.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, celebrates the end of one of the most shameful chapters in American history-slavery. Two months after the official end of the Civil War on June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to inform inhabitants that the war had ended and the remaining 250,000 slaves there were free, under the Emancipation Proclamation. For many, June 19 has become the African-American addendum to our national Independence Day that commemorates African American freedom.
At LifeBridge Health, we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same - our shared purpose of caring for communities together.