At a city council meeting earlier this month, Mayor Rachel Lord said she was bringing back the tradition of mayoral proclamations, which had lapsed under former mayor, Ken Castner. Lord said she planned to limit the number of proclamations to three per meeting, going forward. On May 27, the mayor encouraged inspired residents to get their proclamation requests in early, due to high demand.
The first three proclamations, announced Monday, May 12, officially recognized Professional Municipal Clerks Week from May 4-10; Peace Officer Memorial Day on May 15 and National Police Week from May 11-17; and National Public Works Week from May 18-24.
On Tuesday, May 27, Lord proclaimed June as Pride Month, June 19 as Juneteenth, and recognized Homer local Ash-Lee Waddell as an “Outstanding Alaskan from Homer.”
The proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in Homer stated that the City recognizes the “fundamental value of every individual and is committed to ensuring that all residents are treated with dignity and respect” and noted that Pride Month is celebrated across the country each June to honor “the history, courage, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, and to recognize the importance of promoting equity, acceptance, and visibility.”
The “diversity of the LGBTQ+ community enriches the cultural fabric of our town and contributes to the vibrancy and resilience of our shared civic life,” the proclamation said. It announced a commitment by Homer to stand with other communities around the United States in affirming the right of every individual to live authentically, safely and free from discrimination.
Pride Month provides “an opportunity to celebrate love, foster inclusion, and educate ourselves and future generations on the ongoing work of building a more just society,” the proclamation said.
The proclamation recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth honors the anniversary of June 19, 1865, which marked the date when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the last remaining enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas — more than two years after its issuance — signifying the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth stands as “a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and contributions of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history,” the proclamation said. It acknowledged that Juneteenth is now recognized as a state and federal holiday, “offering an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the values of freedom, justice, and the continued pursuit of equality.”
The City acknowledged the importance in honoring “the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us and reaffirming our shared commitment to civil rights and human dignity,” noting that official recognition of Juneteenth provides an opportunity to “build awareness, promote education, and encourage dialogue across all communities.”
The proclamation honoring Waddell recognized her as one of six Alaskans to receive the 2025 First Lady’s Volunteer Awards, which honor individuals who “go above and beyond in service to others and in strengthening communities across our great state.”
The proclamation notes that Waddell’s service is rooted in “her lived experience of challenge, resilience, deep empathy, and an unwavering drive to build a better world for others — particularly children and families facing adversity.” It noted more than 200 volunteer hours she spent in just six months at her son’s school, Fireweed Academy, and her efforts throughout the community with “countless acts of kindness including delivering holiday meals, mentoring children, and supporting families in crisis.”
The mayor’s proclamation states that Waddell’s story — defined by “grit, love, and action” — is “emblematic of the spirit of Homer: a town where neighbors lift each other up, and ordinary people quietly accomplish extraordinary good.”
A letter from the mayor was also included in her “mayor’s report” May 27, noting the importance of National Maritime Day, celebrated May 22. The letter recognizes that Homer is “deeply rooted in and shaped by the sea” noting that from “commercial and sport fishing to marine construction, shipbuilding, vessel repair, freight, and harbor services, Homer’s marine trades are an economic engine and a cultural cornerstone.”
The mayor cited data from the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District that “maritime work remains one of the top sectors in the Kenai Peninsula economy, providing stable, year-round employment and fostering innovation and resilience across our coastal communities.”
The letter was sent to the Homer Marine Trades Association and the Homer Chamber of Commerce.
The next regular meeting of the Homer City Council will be held Monday, June 9, at the Cowles Council Chambers, located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue.
You can find the Mayor’s Report and stay abreast of important city matters online at deskofthehomermayor.substack.com.
You can find the full mayoral proclamations from the May 27 meeting online at cityofhomer-ak.gov/citycouncil/city-council-regular-meeting-330.
Homer Mayor Rachel Lord and Winter Marshall-Allen of the Homer Organization for More Equitable Relations pose for a photo after the mayoral proclamation recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth on Tuesday, May 27 at the Cowles Council Chambers. (Photo courtesy of Winter Marshall-Allen)
