🌱Raleigh Pride Event Security+50th Anniversary Of Hip Hop Celebration

Good morning, friends! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Raleigh Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Including updates on:

• Raleigh Pride event today.
• Raleigh’s 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop celebration.
• New restaurant in Raleigh's Five Point Community.

But first, today's weather: Warmer with a stray t-shower. High: 87 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

1. Pride events are taking place this weekend in the Triangle and the area is heeding a national warning issued about protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. The warning is reportedly based on information from the Human Rights Campaign. In response, added security measures are in place for the Raleigh Pride event being held today. According to WRAL News, "Kendra Johnson with Equality NC said, 'North Carolina is second to Texas for most amount of threats the LGBTQ+ community has received this year.' Trey Roberts, co-founder of Raleigh Pride said, 'We really want to create a place of celebration in Raleigh and also remind people who are coming to Raleigh that this is a safe place for them.'" (WRAL News)
2. You are invited to get involved in Raleigh’s 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop celebration on Aug. 12. The Friends of the City Raleigh Museum are looking for vendors, volunteers, food trucks, car show participants, community partners, and sponsors. Are you up for it? (Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum via Facebook)
3. Congratulations to Shannon Fisher, an 11-year-old rising sixth grader from Neuse River Middle School who won the Wake County Board of Elections sticker design contest. According to WRAL News, "Fisher drew a design with a flying unicorn and a rider shouting, 'I voted early!'" (WRAL News)
4. Ajja, a new restaurant in Raleigh's Five Point Community, opened this week. It's owned by award-winning chef Cheetie Kumar and partner Paul Siler. The eatery will showcase Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes with its main seating being outdoors on a covered patio. (WRAL News)

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Today in Raleigh:

Saturday, June 24

• CTE ACE: Cafeteria/ CTE l1800 — Athens Drive High (7:00 AM)
• Elmo Meet & Greet! (9:30 AM)
• Relax and Rediscover (10:00 AM)
• Flexibility & Mobility Class (12:00 PM)
• Kid Flicks: Hola Cine (NR) — Town of Cary Cultural Arts (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• NC State University: "What's all the stink about? NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' fourth corpse flower made its debut this week. Titan arums (𝘈𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮) are rare plants that put on a spectacular show." (NC State University via Facebook)
• Downtown Raleigh: "This weekend is our last chance to frolic under Rainbow River in Market Plaza before it comes down on Monday. We'll miss this special installation that's brought so much fun to Pride Month." (Downtown Raleigh via Instagram)
• City of Raleigh - Government: "If you've ever had to dial 911, you know that every second counts. Meet Tracy LaCascia, a senior telecommunicator and training officer. She and her team work around the clock to make sure callers get the help they need." (City of Raleigh - Government via Facebook)
• Raleigh City Farm: "Meet the Kabocha squash, a Japanese variety of Cucurbita maxima species, forming in our raised cardboard box beds. We predict fully formed squash in about 60 days and look forward to sharing them with our community!" (Raleigh City Farm via Instagram)
• GoTriangle: "Crank Arm Brewing Company won the Golden Spoke for Business, voted on by you! They go above & beyond to promote cycling throughout the community!" (GoTriangle via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com