The City of Peekskill celebrated Pride Month by honoring the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
Proclamations were presented on Monday, June 22, at City Hall by Mayor Vivian McKenzie to artist Carla Rae Johnson, Studio Theater in Exile co-founder Mara Mills, real estate professional John Perrone, and Peekskill Pride secretary Laura Piucci.
This year’s theme for New York State focused on “For Us All” and highlighted the importance of community, liberation and resistance.
Carla Rae Johnson
Carla Rae Johnson, an artist who created the Peekskill Pride Flag following the tragic attack on the Pulse Nightclub in 2016, was honored for “her humility and creativity which enrich the cultural and civic life of the community.”
Upon accepting her proclamation, Johnson thanked her spouse, Cynthia Knox, and the city and council.
“We’re coming for fears, the ones that divide, the ones that demand silence and complicity,” Johnson said. “We’re coming to clear out those dusty corners of minds that assume only the binary. We’re here in the month of pride to insist that the current climate of division and mistrust can be dispelled, not by power, not by dominance, but by celebration.”
Her proclamation reads in part:
“It is with honor and distinction that the City of Peekskill acknowledges the outstanding service of Carla Rae Johnson for her commitment to the arts, civic engagement and inclusion.
“Carla Rae is surrounded by the love of her devoted partner, Cynthia Knox, family and friends.
“For more than three decades, Carla Rae has enriched the City of Peekskill through her artistic vision and generous spirit. Following the tragic attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in 2016, she responded with compassion and determination by creating the Peekskill Pride Flag, a powerful symbol of strength and hope of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Carla Rae has developed, and hosted the monthly First Tuesday Salons at BeanRunner Café, providing a free and welcoming gathering place where community members can share ideas and inspire one another.
“Her most recent endeavor, the Democracy Project, reflects her steadfast belief in community engagement, bringing together more than fifty local residents to contribute quilt squares expressing their visions of democracy as part of a larger national initiative.
“Through her collaboration with Marcy Freedman of Thunder and Light in publishing The Artistic License, a thought-provoking newspaper featuring articles on art, poetry, politics, and culture, Carla Rae continues to foster creative expression and informed community conversation.”
Mara Mills
Mara Mills, the co-founder of Studio Theater in Exile at Hudson Valley MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), was recognized for being a “cultural leader whose lifelong commitment to equality has left a lasting and meaningful impact on the community.”
“I really appreciate being honored, especially in Peekskill, a place that has really allowed me to combine activism and art in a real way, and to collaborate with so many incredible people,” Mills said. “The recognition is not just mine, it’s Peekskill’s. Because this is a place that lets me be me and lets you be you and we can work together.”
Her proclamation reads in part:
“It is with honor and distinction that the City of Peekskill acknowledges the outstanding service of Mara Mills who has devoted more than forty-five years to the arts as an educator, storyteller, writer, stage director, and producer.
“In 2005, she co-founded Studio Theater in Exile at Hudson Valley MOCA, creating a dynamic artistic home dedicated to original works that explore identity, equity, displacement, and belonging throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.
“Through groundbreaking initiatives such as Writing the Walls, Mara has fostered meaningful collaborations among playwrights, poets, visual artists, performers, and community members.
“Mara has been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, dedicating annual collaborations between Studio Theater in Exile and Peekskill Pride to celebrations of humanity, artistic freedom, education, and equality, including productions that illuminate LGBTQ+ history and amplify lived experiences.
“Her artistic excellence, leadership, and dedication to the cultural community have been recognized through numerous honors, including the East Coast Theater Conference Outstanding Service Award and the Cab Calloway Award for Excellence in Theater.”
John Perrone
John Perrone, a real estate professional, was honored for “his professional excellence, commitment to historic preservation and dedication to the community.”
“Peekskill is my home, and my career is to make homes for others, so this is an important part of what I do, and making sure that’s safe for everyone is part of that,” Perrone said.
His proclamation reads in part:
“It is with honor and distinction that the City of Peekskill acknowledges the outstanding service of John Perrone. John has been a resident of the City of Peekskill for nearly thirty years and has made a lasting impact through his professional accomplishments and civic engagement.
“As a real estate professional, John has helped countless individuals and families not only find homes, but also find welcoming communities where they can belong, thrive, and build meaningful lives.
“As a member of the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals, John has demonstrated a commitment to visibility, inclusion, and advocacy, helping to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals and families are represented, respected, and supported in the housing community.
“Through his service as Chair of the Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board, John has played an important role in safeguarding Peekskill’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, helping to ensure that the City’s growth and development honor and preserve the history that makes Peekskill unique.
“Together with his partner, Michael Stewart, John has contributed to the preservation and stewardship of the historic Fleischmann Mansion, helping to maintain one of Peekskill’s treasured landmarks and demonstrating a profound commitment to the City’s historic legacy.”
Laura Piucci
Laura Piucci, the Peekskill Pride board secretary, was recognized for “her spirit of service and dedication to the community.”
Upon accepting her proclamation, Piucci gave thanks to her spouse, son, and fellow board members. Her proclamation reads in part:
“It is with honor and distinction that the City of Peekskill acknowledges the outstanding service of Laura Piucci.
“Laura has distinguished herself as a committed volunteer, community leader, and steadfast ally whose generosity of spirit and dedication to service have strengthened both Peekskill Pride and the City of Peekskill as a whole.
“Laura’s journey with Peekskill Pride began when, while attending Family Pride at the Park with her spouse and son, she chose not to remain a spectator, but instead approached the information booth and simply asked, ‘How can I help?’—a question that would mark the beginning of years of meaningful service and leadership.
“Through her willingness to step forward and serve, Laura became an integral member of Peekskill Pride and was elected to its Board of Directors, where she currently serves as Secretary, helping to guide the organization’s mission and support its growth and success.
“Through her years of selfless service, leadership within Peekskill Pride, and unwavering commitment to inclusion, Laura has helped create a more welcoming, compassionate, and vibrant community where all people are valued and celebrated.”
