If you have ever attended a Nashville Black Pride event, you know it’s a celebration full of education and community activities. All the fun returns for the 19th year this October 8-10.
Nashville Black Pride came to be in the early 2000s after Dwayne Jenkins, a founding member, hosted an event for people of color during a Nashville Pride festival. It was after this event that he realized the community needed a stand-alone event.
After attending Black Pride celebrations in other cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington DC, Jenkins made the move to establish a board of directors and start the planning process.
The annual event is created for and by local members of the African-American Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. It’s open to all people regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity but it’s specific purpose is an outreach effort for the underserved LGBT communities of color in the Middle Tennessee area.
The pandemic didn’t stop the festivities last year. They converted to online virtual sessions and a socially distanced outdoor walk to commemorate National Coming Out Day.
Past pride weekend events have included receptions, couples recognition, spoken word & poetry showcase, educational workshops, community forums, book signings, benefit parties, free and confidential HIV testing, live entertainment, and a Black LGBT Film Fest.
While the details are still being finalized, go ahead and mark your calendar for this year’s celebration. Visit Nashville Black Pride’s website or Facebook page for full details.
