As we approach the Juneteenth holiday on June 19, MassLive asked readers and staff to identify people who are emerging Black leaders throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Each day, we will introduce more leaders, and we’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
Taurean Bethea
Age: 40
Community: Springfield
His story: Taurean Bethea is the founder and CEO of the Springfield Pride Parade Organization which focuses on providing resources to LGBTQIA+ youth in Springfield.
Bethea ran the first Pride Parade in Springfield last year and is expecting 10,000 people to join for the second inaugural parade. In addition to working on the parade, Bethea focuses on running the Safe Space initiative through the Pride Parade organization. The initiative partners with Springfield businesses to place public-facing decals to commit to and demonstrate their business is inclusive to LGBTQIA+ individuals. MassLive is one of more than a dozen businesses that are a part of this initiative.
The Pride Parade organization, which has become an official city commission, also runs summer programming in partnership with Springfield College and after school programs in Springfield public schools which focuses on the enrichment, development, support, and overall protection of LGBTQIA+ Springfield youth.
Before beginning his organization, Bethea worked in fashion, working for brand such as Phat Farm/Baby Phat, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren and Ermenegildo Zegna. He also produced events in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Springfield, and other locations.
He moved away from fashion after deciding he wanted to do more to help his community. Coming out later in life, Bethea said he realized “there are people out there that could use me as an inspiration and I can create spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth to be safe, seen and heard.”
In his words: “Stay true to your mission. I always say ‘if your intentions are pure, great things will come.’”
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