This morning a dozen supporters gathered at the corner of Fulton and Alhambra to take part in a tree dedication.
The tree, a Chinese Pistache, a Winterfire which will someday reach heights of 40-50 feet, was planted by Community Link to honor those in the LGBT community who have been bullied and victimized and to be a living embodiment of the promise of their allies to continue to make the world a better, and safer, place for all of us.
The plaque reads: “This Tree Dedicated to All GLBT Victims Of Bullying 3/19/11”
The tree stands in a repurposed medium that now boats flowers and flags as part of the reclaimed part of the street: The Rainbow Parkette/Pride Plaza. This area, with the help of Tree Fresno and the PG&E Pride group is a small bastion of peace in the heart of the Tower, just one block away from the Fresno LGBT Community Center.
As part of the ceremony the following poem was read. It felt more than simply “a good fit” for the occasion, the sentiments of the poem as taken in light of the message we want to send the LGBT youth is one of strength and support.
Advice from a Tree By Ilan Shamir
Planting a tree is truly “a modest form of immortality.” Let us hope that like this tree our community will stand tall and proud. Let us continue to work together to stop bullying and the victimization of our members.
For more information about Community Link, click here . For more information about PG&E Pride Network and their scholarship foundation, click here . For more information about Tree Fresno, click here . And, lastly, for more information about next week’s Pride Parade and Festival, click here!
