Mississippi, as of late, has been the target of jokes and criticism regarding controversial state legislation. This past weekend, May 5–8, showcased that there is more to this state than the perceived intolerance we are branded with.
Proud Larrys’ hosted the Code Pink dance party Thursday and a drag show on Friday, both of which packed the business to capacity. Leading up to these events were frequent discussions of what protesters would do and how many there would be. As people lined down the street to get into Proud Larrys’, there was nothing but positivity in the air.
On Saturday Oxford, MS, held its first Pride Parade that ran from University of Mississippi’s Ford Center, around the Courthouse, and back down Jackson Avenue. The parade featured roughly 400 participants from as far away as Atlanta as well as floats from UM departments, Oxford Film Festival, and even Water Valley residents that wanted to show support.
The parade route spanned 1.5 miles, along most of which held crowds on the sidewalk. From start to finish there were young and old cheering, screaming, for friends and strangers alike. The Square was densely filled, every balcony packed with attendees showing their support as loud as they could.
Among the hundreds of supporters were 5–10 protestors holding confederate flags and homemade signs showing their disproval of the event. For most, the protestors presence went unnoticed, drowned out by the mass’s cheering for the Pride parade.
Opposition is expected when progress contradicts deeply-rooted traditions and long-held beliefs. What this weekend showed is that Mississippi’s progress is larger and stronger than the opposition.
Those involved have unanimously labeled the weekend a success and are already discussing what next year will hold for Pride Weekend in Oxford, Mississippi. 
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