BELL COUNTY PRIDE CELEBRATION ANNOUNCED FOR OCTOBER 10 IN MIDDLESBORO
MIDDLESBORO—Bell Countians, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies from across the region will come together on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to celebrate the life and legacy of TK Bryant and continue the fight for equality, acceptance, civil liberties, and the freedom to live without prejudice or hate.
Hosted by the Bell County Inclusion Council, the Bell County Pride Celebration will be a peaceful and celebratory day centered on community, remembrance, love, acceptance, and unity.
The celebration will begin at noon in the Middlesboro City Hall Parking Lot and continue until 9 p.m.
A PRIDE CELEBRATION ROOTED IN TK’S LEGACY
The connection between Bell County Pride and TK’s legacy runs deep.
On July 8, 2022, Bell County held its first-ever Pride event, a celebration of TK’s life that brought approximately 300 people together to remember a young man whose compassion, advocacy, and commitment to others left an enduring mark on the community.
TK Bryant was a Middlesboro resident whose life was unexpectedly cut short during the final semester of his studies at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.
He was deeply loved by his grandmother, aunts, uncles, friends, partner Malik, professors, fellow students, and countless others who had the privilege of knowing him. Those who knew TK remember his extraordinary ability to empathize with others and relate to people simply as fellow human beings.
His heart was filled with compassion, fire, and conviction to touch the untouchable and love the unlovable. He was a life changer.
TK pursued his legal education on an academic scholarship and earned high honors at the University of Louisville School of Law. Although he could have pursued a financially successful career in law, his heart was drawn toward service and advocacy.
Through his internship with the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition, TK worked to ensure that people experiencing homelessness and those struggling with addiction were treated with the dignity every human being deserves. He believed people should have access to food, clothing, shelter, harm-reduction resources, Narcan, and, perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to be seen, valued, and given another chance.
His advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community was equally passionate. He helped inspire a movement that has continued beyond his life, carried forward by the people who shared his belief in equality and human dignity.
At the center of TK’s philosophy was a simple conviction:
LOVE WINS.
Love wins in the dark times.
Love wins in isolation.
Love wins through confusion and misunderstanding.
Although TK’s life lasted only 24 years and 10 months, the impact he made continues to be felt.
This year’s celebration will honor that legacy.
TK’s mother, Samantha Blondell Smith, will be a guest of honor and featured speaker during the opening ceremony. The ceremony will also include additional special speakers and a moment of silence in memory of TK, providing the community an opportunity to reflect upon his life, his accomplishments, and the countless lives he touched.
Following the opening ceremony, participants will take part in a peaceful march through downtown Middlesboro as the community continues its pursuit of equality, acceptance, civil liberties, and freedom without prejudice or hate.
This will be a peaceful, respectful, and celebratory event—a day focused on bringing people together rather than driving them apart.
A DAY OF CELEBRATION & COMMUNITY
The celebration will continue throughout the afternoon and evening, with activities and entertainment including:
* Karaoke competition
* Live music and performances
* Special guest speakers
* Games and activities
* Dancing
* Community entertainment
* Food and refreshments
* Local vendors and businesses
* And much more
VENDORS, FOOD TRUCKS, BUSINESSES & PERFORMERS WELCOME
The Bell County Inclusion Council is inviting vendors, food trucks, local businesses, organizations, performers, volunteers, and community members from throughout the region to participate.
There will be no vendor or food-truck fees. The goal is to make Bell County Pride accessible to local businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations, and community members without creating a financial barrier to participation.
Instead, participating vendors and food trucks will simply be asked to consider making a donation of any kind to support the Bell County Inclusion Council and its continued community work.
Donations may take many forms. Financial contributions, supplies, services, or other forms of support are all welcome. No one should feel that they cannot participate because they cannot afford a vendor fee.
Whether you want to operate a vendor booth, bring a food truck, showcase your business or organization, perform on stage, volunteer your time, or simply join your neighbors for a day of celebration, there is a place for you at Bell County Pride.
Bring your business. Bring your talent. Bring your food. Bring your support. Most importantly, bring your heart.
CONTINUING TK’S LEGACY
The Bell County Pride Celebration is more than an event. It is a continuation of a legacy that began on July 8, 2022, when approximately 300 people gathered for Bell County’s first Pride event to celebrate TK’s life.
Four years later, the community will gather again.
Not in anger.
Not in confrontation.
But in peace, celebration, remembrance, solidarity, and hope.
Because TK believed that every person deserves to be seen, valued, respected, and loved.
And he believed that love wins.
Come remember TK.
Come celebrate his life.
Come celebrate our community.
Come stand for equality.
Come stand for acceptance.
Come stand together.
⸻
BELL COUNTY PRIDE CELEBRATION
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Opening Ceremony — Noon
Middlesboro City Hall Parking Lot
Celebration continues until 9 p.m.
Hosted by the Bell County Inclusion Council
More information—including vendor and food-truck participation, performer opportunities, schedules, activities, and additional event details—will become available as plans are finalized.
Visit: www.bellcountyic.com
Bell County Inclusion Council Appoints Amanda Howard as Volunteer Coordinator
July 19, 2026
The Bell County Inclusion Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Howard as the organization’s Volunteer Coordinator and a voting member of the Board of Directors.
Amanda will lead the Council’s volunteer program by recruiting, organizing, and coordinating volunteers for community outreach initiatives, educational programs, fundraising efforts, and special events. She will also work closely with the Board of Directors and committee chairs to ensure the Council has the volunteer support needed to carry out its mission of promoting inclusion, education, advocacy, and community service throughout Bell County.
As Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda will serve as a full voting member of the Board of Directors, participating in organizational governance, policy decisions, and strategic planning. She is expected to attend all Board meetings, either in person or through an approved virtual platform, helping ensure effective communication and continued growth of the Council’s programs.
“We are excited to welcome Amanda into this leadership role,” said Justin Howard, President of the Bell County Inclusion Council. “Her willingness to serve, passion for helping others, and commitment to community engagement make her an outstanding addition to our Board. Volunteers are the backbone of any successful nonprofit organization, and Amanda’s leadership will be instrumental as we continue expanding our outreach and impact throughout Bell County.”
The Bell County Inclusion Council remains committed to building a stronger, more welcoming community through volunteerism, education, advocacy, and meaningful partnerships. Amanda’s appointment represents another important step in strengthening the Council’s leadership and enhancing opportunities for residents to become involved in serving their community.
Wear Inclusion. Inspire Change. Strengthen Bell County.
Show your support for a stronger, more welcoming community with the official Bell County Inclusion Council Fundraising T-Shirt. Every shirt purchased helps fund BCIC’s community outreach, educational initiatives, volunteer projects, and family-friendly events that bring people together across Bell County.
Designed for comfort and made to make a statement, these high-quality black T-shirts feature the official Bell County Inclusion Council logo on the front and a vibrant full-color design on the back that proudly represents unity, kindness, and inclusion.
Product Details
- Price: $20.00
- Color: Black only
- Sizes: Small through 3XL
- Unisex fit
- Delivery: 7–10 business days after your order is placed
- Pay via CashApp or in person
Every shirt makes a difference.
When you purchase a Bell County Inclusion Council T-shirt, you are doing more than buying apparel—you are investing in your community.
Your purchase helps BCIC organize community events, educational programs, volunteer initiatives, and outreach efforts that promote kindness, inclusion, respect, and civic engagement throughout Bell County.
Whether you wear it at local events, around town, or simply to show your support, your shirt becomes a visible reminder that our community is strongest when everyone belongs.
Thank you for supporting the Bell County Inclusion Council. Together, we’re building a community where everyone belongs.
Our commitment to Bell County
The Bell County Inclusion Council is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and equitable community for all. We stand as advocates for the LGBTQ community and every underrepresented voice in Bell County, Kentucky. Our mission is to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
We are a newly established nonprofit organization working tirelessly to create positive change. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we strive to empower individuals and promote understanding. Discover how you can be a part of this vital movement.
Why the Bell County Inclusion Council is vital to our community
The Bell County Inclusion Council is vital to our community because every community is stronger when every person knows they belong.
Bell County is home to people from many different backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Some residents are veterans, some are living with disabilities, some are members of the LGBTQ+ community, some are racial or ethnic minorities, and many families face challenges such as mental health struggles, addiction, poverty, or social isolation. Despite these differences, we all share one thing in common—we are neighbors.
Our Council exists to bring people together, not divide them. We believe that compassion is not a weakness but a strength, and that investing in people creates stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and a healthier community for everyone.
Through advocacy, education, volunteer service, public outreach, and partnerships with local organizations, we work to connect residents with resources, encourage understanding, and promote opportunities for every individual to contribute to the community. We volunteer at local events, support charitable initiatives, maintain resource guides, and strive to be a positive presence throughout Bell County.
The Bell County Inclusion Council is not about asking people to agree on every issue. It is about recognizing the inherent worth of every member of our community and encouraging respect, kindness, and civic engagement. We believe our differences should never prevent us from working together to improve the place we all call home.
When one neighbor succeeds, Bell County succeeds. When one family finds hope, our community grows stronger. When people choose compassion over division, everyone benefits.
That is why the Bell County Inclusion Council is vital to our community. We are committed to building bridges, serving others, and helping create a Bell County where every person has the opportunity to be heard, respected, and valued.
BCIC HISTORY
The Bell County Inclusion Council was founded in June 2026 by Justin Howard and a group of dedicated community members who shared a common vision: to build a stronger, more connected Bell County where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Notably, Mellisa Johnson and L.J. Rose
Recognizing the need for an organization focused on inclusion, advocacy, education, and community engagement, the Council was established to serve as a positive force for collaboration and service throughout Bell County, Kentucky. From the beginning, our goal has been to bring people together through volunteerism, civic involvement, public education, and partnerships with local organizations while helping connect residents with trusted community resources.
Our Board of Directors and membership reflect the very values we promote. The Council is made up of members of the LGBTQ+ community, heterosexual allies, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who are united by a shared commitment to serving our neighbors and strengthening our community. We believe meaningful progress is achieved when people work together with mutual respect, regardless of their personal backgrounds or experiences.
Although we are a young organization, we have already begun participating in community events, developing educational initiatives, creating local resource guides, and building relationships with residents, businesses, faith communities, and other organizations across Bell County. Every step we take is guided by our belief that service, understanding, and cooperation can make a lasting difference.
As we continue to grow, the Bell County Inclusion Council remains committed to expanding volunteer opportunities, advocating for underrepresented communities, promoting mental health awareness, supporting community initiatives, and creating programs that benefit all residents of Bell County.
Our history is just beginning, and we look forward to building a future where every person has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.