In the photo: City Manager Brian L. Barroso, Commissioner Monica Haskell, Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez, JT Thompson, and Commissioner Donie Lee, Aaron Castillo, and Sam Kaufman. Vice Mayor Lissette Carey and Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover were in attendance via Zoom.

JT Thompson Day

Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez and the Key West City Commission, during today’s regular meeting, declared May 6th as JT Thompson Day in honor of the creator of the City’s motto One Human Family.

Thompson moved to Key West from Venice, California in 1979. In 1999 he created the motto and began distributing the iconic black and white stickers. In 2008 he started the now famous arm bands in many different designs and in 2015 released the first hats and shirts. Since then, he has distributed over 4 million stickers in more than 95 countries — much at his own expense.

In October of 2000, the City Commission adopted the motto of One Human Family as the official philosophy of the City of Key West, urging everyone to put aside the artificial limitations of racism, nationalism, sexism, classism, monotheism, prejudice, homophobia, and every other illusion used to separate us from all being equal.

“We honor and recognize JT Thompson for his unwavering commitment to unity, equality, and compassion through the One Human Family message,” reads the proclamation. “His dedication and generosity have touched lives around the globe and made Key West a beacon of inclusion and love.”

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