On Friday, June 5, 2026, the City of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau hosted its 6th Annual “Let Your Colors Shine” Pride Celebration at City Hall Plaza, bringing together residents from across the city for an afternoon centered on visibility, acceptance, and community.
From students and parents to seniors and community advocates, people from all walks of life gathered in downtown Mount Vernon to celebrate Pride Month and support one another. The event featured music, performances, refreshments, community resources, and opportunities for residents to connect with organizations serving youth and families throughout the city.
As residents celebrated, connected with local organizations, and enjoyed performances throughout the afternoon, the event reflected the mission of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau and its leadership. Executive Director Debbie Burrell-Butler, a Mount Vernon High School graduate and longtime Youth Bureau employee who has served the department in various roles since 2001, has dedicated much of her career to supporting the city’s young people and families. Under her leadership, programs and events such as Let Your Colors Shine continue to create spaces where residents feel welcomed, valued, and seen. For many in attendance, the celebration served as a reminder that Mount Vernon is strongest when every member of the community is embraced and included.
“So as we celebrate Pride with glitter, with flags, and with joy, let us also recognize the quiet strength of our allies from all over,“ Burrell-Butler shared with Black Westchester.
Community-Based Organizations were on hand sharing information and resources with attendees, while performances by Cupid’s Arrow, Iden.t.T, and Miss Alexa Dumont helped energize the crowd and create a welcoming atmosphere. Families, teens, and children could be seen enjoying the festivities while learning about services available within the community.
According to Dena T. Williams, Deputy Director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, the event represented more than just a celebration.
“Today the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau held its 6th annual ‘Let Your Colors Shine’ event,” Williams said. “We had Community-Based Organizations sharing important resources, teens, children, and parents all there showing support for one another, as well as the amazing performances by Cupid’s Arrow, Iden.t.T, and Miss Alexa Dumont.”
Williams also recognized the many individuals and organizations who helped make the event possible.
“I’d like to give a special thanks to Pride Committee members Dr. Gloria Pope, City Council President Derrick Thompson, Commissioner Walker-Pinckney and her staff, Jade Hackett, Sharon Thomas, Dennis Richmond, the CBOs, and Youth Bureau staff for their time and support in making this a successful event,” she said.
While the event highlighted the progress made toward greater inclusion and acceptance, Williams emphasized that the work does not end when Pride Month is over.
“Today was amazing, but we must all remember inclusion is a year-round commitment that requires ongoing, daily effort,” Williams said. “We all deserve to be seen, no matter who you are.” Williams has dedicated much of her professional career to serving Mount Vernon’s youth. After joining the Youth Bureau in 2009 as a Youth Program Coordinator, she became Deputy Director two years later. Over the years, she has supported thousands of young folks and families through various programs.
As music filled the plaza, one message remained clear. Mount Vernon continues to be a city where people from different backgrounds can come together, support one another, and, seriously, let their colors shine.
Take care,
Dennis Richmond, Jr., M.S.Ed.
Author of He Spoke At My School
[Editor’s Note: The Let Your Colors Shine Pride Celebration is an annual event, typically held in early June, hosted by the City of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and youth. The event features a Kiki Runway, lively music, light refreshments, and a supportive environment promoting love, diversity, and self-expression. “The celebration operates as a safe, welcoming space for youth and families to stand together in solidarity and equality. Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, the Youth Bureau encourages Mount Vernon residents to come out and show their support,” Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard shared on IG]
