The Fight for the Flag: How local business owners are responding to recent Pride flag controversy
SALISBURY, Md. – Mayor Randy Taylor’s decision to cancel the upcoming Pride flag raising ceremony has sparked frustration amongst business owners on the Salisbury Plaza.
Owner of Blackwater Apothecary, Nicole Blackwater, believes the mayor’s decision contradicts what the city strives for: unity.
“This is hypocrisy. We just opened Unity Square, a park that is supposed to be built on community and unity and acceptance of everyone,” Blackwater said. “This is a blatant exclusion of a marginalized group of people that our community has fought so hard for.”
Business Owners Push Back
Admin from the Downtown Salisbury Business Alliance made a post on Facebook, which said, in part, “The founders of the Downtown Salisbury Business Alliance are deeply disappointed and vehemently oppose Mayor Randy Taylor’s recent decision to refuse the display of the Pride flag in our community.”
Owner of Soul Yoga, Lauren Gilmore, said this sparked a movement for business owners to display Pride flags in their own shops.
“He’s allowed to have his own opinions, but as a business owner, I’m allowed to have mine, too, which is why I hope other businesses choose to fly their own flags and choose to show people, loudly, that we are a place that embraces,” Gilmore said.
But even as business owners are displaying their own flags, they said it’s still crucial that Mayor Taylor reconsiders his decision and lets the Pride flag fly.
“We’re very concerned that people will start to look at downtown Salisbury as a place that is not safe for anyone,” Blackwater said. “We really want to make sure that we show that we are here for everyone; we’re here for our marginalized communities.”
Other businesses on the plaza chimed in with their plans to cultivate safe spaces for the LGBTQ community.
Bryan Whipple, owner of Lurking Class Skate Shop said, in a statement, “It seems hypocritical to build “unity square” and within a week of its opening, go out of their way to exclude a group of people.”
He added, in his shop, “That flag is a permanent fixture in this space, and EVERYONE of ALL backgrounds (with positive attitudes) will aways be welcome here.”
Owner of Two Scoops, Nicole Rogers, voiced her frustrations in a statement: “As a Downtown Business Owner I am deeply saddened that I even need to make this statement. I have always been proud of our city’s spirit of inclusiveness and have cherished owning a business here. However, the recent decision and statement by the mayor has led me to question whether the city I operate in still aligns with my beliefs in acceptance and unity.”
“Two Scoops will always be a safe space where discrimination, bigotry, sexism, and racism will NOT be tolerated. The newly built “Unity Square” should symbolize our commitment to these values, and I hope we can all come together to truly embody the principles it represents,” Rogers added.
In a statement, mayor Taylor backed his decision to not allow the event: “Big picture– it is not anti- PFLAG- it is merely recognizing a need to remain neutral as a City as we do with every other event. The Good news Bret Davis with Davis strategic has offered PFLAG to kick off event with flag raising on Carroll St- not 200 yds. away. Best of luck with the event and parade!!” mayor Taylor said.
The Future of Pride Month
As the fight for the flag continues, Blackwater said now, more than ever, the downtown businesses need to band together.
“I stand up because I have the privilege to do so, and I will continue to do so, but I need for other people to stand up with me,” Blackwater said.
