A decade ago, the Orlando community came together in grief and tragedy when a gunman burst into the Pulse nightclub and claimed the lives of 49 people, wounding dozens of others.
Read more Thanks, El Niño: Even fewer storms now expected in ‘below normal’ hurricane season
Ten years after the mass shooting, Central Florida is uniting to remember the fallen angels who died that night while showing that love is stronger than hate. This week, art exhibitions, community events and memorial ceremonies mark a decade since June 12, 2016.
2026 Pulse Remembrance Ceremony
Join the community at First United Methodist Church to honor the 49 lives lost on June 12, 2016. The ceremony includes musical performances from local artists, the Orlando Gay Chorus, a special presentation by Orlando Poet Laureate Camara Gaither, a candlelight ceremony and reading of the 49 names. Attend the event starting at 5:30 p.m. June 12 at 142 E. Jackson St. in Orlando. More information: pulseorlando.org
Created in Community: Portraits of Pulse
This exhibition at the City of Orlando’s Terrace Gallery features 49 portraits honoring the lives lost in the Pulse tragedy. Designed by artist Jeff Sonksen, the works were completed in a paint-by-number format by victims’ friends, families and community members. The exhibition is on display June 11-Aug. 23 at 400 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. More information: pulseorlando.org
Prayer Ribbons Memorial Exhibition
City Hall Plaza will host a prayer ribbon memorial exhibition through June 14. Artist Jay Critchley from the Provincetown Community Compact in Massachusetts is sending colorful ribbons with messages of support that were created for our community after the tragedy. The tradition started when the artists inscribed each victim’s name on a ribbon and then sent them to Orlando in the months following June 12, 2016. More information: pulseorlando.org
Pulse anniversary: Dyer says Orlando remains a community ‘welcoming to everybody’
Read more Royal Caribbean takes delivery of Florida-bound Legend of the Seas
Pulse 10: Baquiné for the Angels
This community commemoration at Spirit of Joy Church is hosted by Del Ambiente, a nonprofit serving the Puerto Rican LGBTQ+ community. Join for a healing space that is rooted in the Afro-Puerto Rican Baquiné tradition to honor the 49 Pulse victims. The ceremony is from 7-9 p.m. June 11 at 1801 Rouse Road in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Day of Remembrance Blood Drive
OneBlood will accept blood donations in downtown Orlando outside of City Hall on the anniversary of the Pulse shooting. Donate blood from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. June 12 at 400 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. Reserve donation times on OneBlood’s website: oneblood.org
Lighting the Pulse Memorial Site
In remembrance of the 49 angels, the Pulse Memorial site will be illuminated from dusk to dusk through June 15. This quiet activation serves as a peaceful tribute that marks a decade of resilience. See the memorial display at 1912 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. More information: pulseorlando.org
Pulse anniversary: 10 years later grief remains, says mom of victim
10 Years Since Pulse: Honor Them With Action Memorial Panel
Join the Human Rights Campaign, GIFFORDS and Equality Florida for a panel discussion including Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor. The panel will discuss what has happened since the shooting and how to honor the victims with action. The event is at 10 a.m. June 13 at a private location. Register at mobilize.us.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: [email protected]. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
Read more SpaceX wants regular investors to help its stock launch. Here’s what to know before clicking ‘buy’