🌈 Hope in Action | June 2026 | Ben Dowd & the Power of Lansing Pride

What started as a spark of community need has grown into something truly extraordinary. In this episode of Hope in Action, we sit down with Ben Dowd — co-founder and board president of Lansing Pride — to talk about what it really means to build belonging in your own backyard. From 3,000 attendees in 2022 to 30,000 in 2025, Lansing Pride isn't just a festival, it's proof of what happens when a community decides to show up for itself. Ben shares the heart behind the mission, the power of year-round advocacy, and why Lansing is becoming the kind of city where every person feels seen, celebrated, and at home. We dig into the importance of local partnerships, the economic and emotional impact of Pride on the Old Town community, and what it truly looks like when businesses, city leaders, and neighbors go beyond the rainbow sticker to show real, lasting support. 📅 Lansing Pride 2026 is June 27th in Old Town, 1–9 PM 🎪 300+ vendors | 🎤 Multiple stages including the NEW Fish Ladder Stage | 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly | 🎟️ FREE admission — always Whether you're a longtime ally or just discovering this incredible community, this conversation will inspire you. Because pride isn't just one day or month, it's all year long. Drop your pride in the comments below and tag someone who needs to see this! 🏳️‍🌈 This is a production of UnoDeuce Multimedia and Sheri Jones Creative Media Special thanks to our visionary sponsor, LAFCU.