SPRINGFIELD — Pop and R&B singer Dawn Richard headlines the Springfield Pride Parade this weekend, just three weeks after taking center stage at the federal sex trafficking trial of one-time mentor Sean “Diddy” Combs .

“It’s a celebration of Pride, and she’s wonderful,” B.J. Coleman, public relations director for Springfield Pride, said Friday.

Local Pride organizers booked Richard well before she was called by federal prosecutors to testify against Combs at his Manhattan trial, and organizers instead are focusing on Richard’s support for the LGBTQ community.

“She’s an awesome performer,” Coleman said. “We just want to celebrate.”

Richard was scheduled to play the fundraising ball on Friday. On Saturday, Richard is expected to join thousands for the parade on State Street, followed

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