For nearly one hundred years, there has been a tradition in downtown Franklin. Today, a city, a staff, and many loyal customers are hoping that tradition hasn't just met an abrupt end.
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — As dozens of cars snaked their way onto the grounds of a refurbished horse farm on a sweltering June afternoon in Franklin, a few volunteers stood at the entrance, cheerfully welcoming visitors to the local Pride festival. The greeting, volunteers said, also gave them a chance to spot any person who didn’t wave back or smile, someone who might harbor more malicious intentions. There were bag searches and scans with a metal detector. Across the street, a man in a white nationali
June in the U.S. is pride month, commemorating the Stonewall Uprising in June of 1969, which sparked the gay liberation movement in America. Across big cities and small towns, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies alike, celebrate progress and mark the struggle for equal rights.
Back in April, Franklin city leaders were split on whether to allow this year's Pride festival to go on. But despite being under the microscope, many were thankful to see the festival return.