MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Many grabbed a spot on the sidewalk along Main Street to witness history with the Mooresville pride parade on Saturday.
For a lot of people in this community, it was more than just a parade - it was a step in the right direction.
Allison Johnston grew up in Mooresville but didn’t feel safe in her own hometown.
“I mean, it's, it was just heartwarming, because if I had had some of the support that was shown here today when I was growing up, then I would have had a lot easier of a time," Johnston told WCNC Charlotte.
Johnston, along with several other people, was thankful that the LGBTQ+ group, C.L.E.V.E.R. organized an event that highlights the community’s support.
“There's a lot of people in this community that absolutely love everybody," said Johnston. "And the amount that actually showed up today was honestly surprising because I didn't even think that many people would show up. So it was really heartwarming.”
Rick Blankenship opened up his business "On Tap" in the downtown Mooresville area six years ago. He knows firsthand just how impactful the community in Mooresville is.
“We've been very successful because we focus on the community, the business will come, the money will come. But if you focus on taking care of your community, letting people be people, treating them as who they are, then everything else would just come right behind it," Blankenship said.
Community members like Johnston hope to see more pride events in the future.
“I'm hoping that people can start to move back here and that the young individuals that grow up here can actually still have a life here when they get older.”
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.