Aug. 23, 2021
PDF of Media Advisory
Update | Media are invited to interview Jack James High School students and the school principal at the site of the CBE’s first permanent Pride crosswalk (5105 8 Ave S.E.) on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. The new time tomorrow for the media availability is 10 a.m.. The painting is expected to be completed late this evening and the full sidewalk will be available to be recorded at the official unveiling.
CALGARY — Students at Jack James High School are welcoming the addition of a rainbow-coloured crosswalk at their school in what is a first-of-its-kind permanent installation for the Calgary Board of Education.
On Monday, Aug. 23, professional line painting and pavement maintenance company EverLine Coatings will lay down the colours of the Pride flag, as well as the light blue, pink and white-striped colours of the transgender flag at Jack James High School.
The painted crosswalk is intended to be a symbol of support for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and the installation occurs in the same week that city will celebrate Calgary Pride 2021.
When students return to school in September, the school is expected to host an official acknowledgement of the Pride crosswalk.
The inspiration for the project comes from students and staff at Jack James High School, with additional support from the school council, the Forest Lawn Community Association, the CBE's Sexual Orientation Gender Identity team, as well as other CBE leaders, teams and community stakeholders. The installation was made possible by ActivateYYC, a microgrant initiative by the Federation of Calgary Communities.
Media is invited to record the painting in progress and interview students as well the school principal.
Date: Monday, Aug. 23
Time: Interview opportunities at 1 p.m., painting occurs all day
Place: Jack James High School, 5105 8 Ave S.E., Calgary, AB
Contact: Jennifer Gorkoff, principal, 403-248-4054
Plans are subject to weather conditions. Please check for updates on Monday.
