Berkshire Pride, Elizabeth Freeman Center, and Christopher Liljeholm mourn the loss of Jahaira DeAlto and we hold space for all that knew her. A candlelight vigil will be held in her honor on Saturday, May 8th at 5:00 PM at Pontoosuc Park in Pittsfield. Attendees are asked to wear masks and abide by social distancing protocols.

WBEC FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Ballroom legend from the House of Balenciaga, Jahaira was a loyal friend, a fierce advocate, and a mother/grandmother/auntie to many. Her unconditional love was felt by all who met her and her kind and funny spirit left its mark on the Berkshires—from the classrooms at Berkshire Community College to the offices of Elizabeth Freeman Center, from helping launch the first Transgender Day of Remembrance and Berkshire Pride Festival to "being all the things," as she liked to say.

Passionate about ending violence and an amazing orator, Jahaira has been the keynote speaker in many conferences, including the keynote address at the 2019 Victims Rights Conference held by the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance.

“I was born with an opinion about everything and an acute inability to shut the hell up,” Jahaira has said.

Her impact on the community was profound and her presence will be missed by many.

LOOK: The most famous actress born the same year as you

Many of the actresses in this story not only made a name for themselves through their collection of iconic performances, but also through the selfless, philanthropic nature with which many of them approached their stardom. In an age of flipping the script on societal norms, many of these actresses are using their voices and platforms to be advocates for those who are otherwise unheard.

Here are 50 of your favorite retail chains that no longer exist.

 

More From WBEC FM