A little more than fifty years ago, the world was quite different. It was a time before the March on Washington and before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s stirring words began to change the hearts and minds of a generation. It was before the passage of the Civil Rights Act. In those days, if there was a Black Pride event it was likely sparsely attended and poorly covered by the media. Even with the changes that were taking place, the pace seemed much too slow.
Fast forward to 1996 and Felicia Harvey, Program Director, helps create Black Gay Pride Week, now known as Pittsburgh Black Pride Week. What began as a Sunday BBQ has expanded to a week-long celebration taking place from July 22-28.
While the purpose of Black Pride Week is fun and fellowship, the mission and vision goes much deeper.
According to Harvey, the mission statement of Black Pride is to “provide a safe and educational family-oriented event which includes culturally relevant prograamming aimed at increasing health and well-being for all LGBT community members, but particularly those members of color of Southwestern Pennsylvania.”
Harvey adds that “while it is important to acknowledge the struggle of all LGBT people in our society today, people of color are particularly impacted by long-standing barriers such as racism, poverty, underrepresentation and stigma.”
The theme for 2013’s Black Pride Week is “She/He Ain’t Heavy, She/He is my Sister/ Brother!” and Harvey hopes this year’s theme inspires all LGBT community members and supporters to come together to make the community better and more aware of each other’s needs.
Black Pride has some terrific events taking place. Why not take the time and explore all that they have to offer for the LGBT community! For more info, visit PittsburghBlackPride.org
2013 PITTSBURGH BLACK PRIDE WEEK EVENTS
MONDAY, JULY 22
Meet & Greet Opening Reception
6:30 PM
Judah Fellowship Christian Church
FRIDAY, JULY 26
8th Annual “The Aggressive-One
& Ms. Fem Pageant”
Doors open at 6:30 PM
7101 Hamilton Avenue
FRIDAY, JULY 26
The N-Dependence Day Ball
Time & Place TBD
SATURDAY, JULY 27
Basketball Tournament
Noon-5 PM
Warrington Rec Center
SATURDAY, JULY 27
1st annual Prom Night
8 PM; 18+
Moose Lodge, Lawrenceville
SUNDAY, JULY 28
17th annual
Pittsburgh Black Pride BBQ
Noon-8 PM
Highland Park, Rhododendron
Shelter
SUNDAY, JULY 28
End of the Rainbow
9 PM-2 AM
Galaxy Lounge
7245 Kelly Street
