‘You Belong Here’ was the theme of Third Thursday in downtown Joplin last night.

About 50 people participated in a Solidarity March to show their support for LGBQT pride month in the US. Also marking two years since Joplin city leaders adopted an Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity proclamation.

Former Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean and current Mayor Pro Tem Kenan Cortez spoke Thursday in favor of diversity efforts.

“I was thinking when I was walking up here what it would be like in Joplin if it was all vanilla. Or if it was all chocolate. I’m really glad that it’s a little Neapolitan. I thought I’d talk about ice cream because it’s so hot out here. You know it’s a good thing that we can all melt together.”

Third Thursday is hosted by the Downtown Joplin Alliance annually from March through October, attracting about 5,000 visitors.