Unfortunately, everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when they heard the tragic news of the deadly shooting at Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016. And in the following days and weeks, many special events and gatherings occurred.
The City of Orlando and Orange County Government, in collaboration with Pulse, have jointly designated June 12, 2017, as “Orlando United Day – A Day of Love and Kindness.” June 12 will be dedicated to honoring the memory of the 49 innocent Pulse victims, supporting survivors and recognizing the compassion and love that was displayed by the Central Florida community following the tragedy.
Barbara Poma
Orlando United Day is an opportunity to join with others in Acts of Love and Kindness to continue the unity that followed the tragedy. Engaging in these activities on June 12 is a respectful and loving way to remember and honor the lives of those taken and to show compassion to those who need support.
Orlando Love: Remembering Our Angels, created by City of Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan, will feature prominent leaders including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Pulse owner Barbara Poma at 7pm at the Lake Eola Amphitheater.
The ceremony will also include musical performances by Olga Tañón, Sisaundra Lewis, the Orlando Gay Chorus and other Central Florida performers. There will also be a memorial reading of the 49 names of those who were taken during the June 12 tragedy.
Other events include:
The Orange County History Center
Expanded One Orlando Collection and Digital Gallery
10am – 7pm
The Orange County Administration Center
Unveiling of the Sea-to-Sea Flag
10:30am
Reflections and Remembrance
11am – 1pm at the Pulse nightclub site
Moments of Hope and Healing
10pm – midnight at the Pulse nightclub site
For more information visit downtownorlando.com and orangecountyfl.net.
The 49 Portraits Project was born out of a need to respond in a meaningful, respectful and loving way to the tragic events at the LGBTQ Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016. The project was started by Georgia art professor Mia Merlin, who teaches at Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia. She was inspired by a similar portrait project for the families of the nine victims of the June 2015 shootings at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
The 49 Portraits Project is made up of a group of 49 artists across the country who created portraits to honor the innocent Pulse nightclub victims and to give as gifts to their families.
All 49 portraits will be on view at Orlando City Hall’s Terrace Gallery from May 1 – June 14. For more information, please visit http://www.49portraits.com .