NYC Pride Announces 2013 Grand Marshals
NYC Pride announced that it has selected and confirmed Edith Windsor, Harry Belafonte and Earl Fowlkes as Grand Marshals for the 44th annual NYC LGBT Pride March. These individuals represent dedication, greatness and inspiration within the LGBT community.
Edith Windsor will be taking her fight against DOMA all the way to the Supreme Court after paying more than $360,000 in federal estate taxes upon the death of her partner of 44 years. Harry Belafonte has been a longtime advocate for civil rights and universal equality on a global scale. Earl Fowlkes serves as the President/CEO of the Center for Black Equity, whose mission is to fight for health, social and economic equity in the Black LGBT community.
"We believe this year will be historic. LGBT rights are expanding across the country and these individuals embody the soul of a movement far from over. They are tirelessly fighting for all of us. They are the great waves in a sea of hope: Edith's never-ending battle for marriage equality, Harry's unending fight for human rights, Earl's focused leadership and selfless spirit. So with great pride, we congratulate them and honor them for their unwavering dedication to the idea of a more just and verdant future for all peoples," said Chris Frederick, Managing Director of NYC Pride.
"This year's Grand Marshals have enriched the LGBT community through their dedication, accomplishments and commitment to the LGBT civil rights movement. By recognizing Edith Windsor's historic court case, Harry Belafonte's trailblazing activism and Earl Fowlkes' outstanding LGBT leadership, we hope to inspire further action in attaining worldwide equality," said Mike Dunlap, March Director for NYC Pride.