WHEREAS, Philadelphia Black Pride was founded in August 1999 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Originally known as Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, the organization has focused on providing resources and opportunities to underserved Black and Brown folks, and to transform the environments of LGBTQ+ people by creating multicultural opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Three founding members, including Michael Hinson, Doreana Kearney, and Troy Steffey, instilled an ongoing commitment to public service in Philadelphia Black Gay Pride. The group’s goal continues to be to inspire and improve experiences of individuals through programs, policies, advocacy, partnerships and relationship building; and
WHEREAS, Philly Black Pride has an ongoing core commitment to community development, youth development, outreach and mental wellness. This year, Philly Black Pride’s 25th Anniversary Celebration will include and center a Black Joy and Healing Health Summit, as well as three Mission Grants celebrating the life and work of Michael Hinson - grants that the organization will be giving out during Pride Month; and
WHEREAS, Philly Black Pride will host events Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, April 28. In addition to the Black Joy and Healing Health Summit, Philly Black Pride’s celebration will include a retrospective on the organization over the past 25 years, a poetry slam open mic, an open reception, and a showcase of former Miss Philly Black Pride Queens who are past pageant winners. In addition, this year’s Night of a Legend Award on Saturday the 27th will honor the countless individuals who devoted time, love and care into building community and supporting Philly Black Pride and the work the organization has continued to do; and
WHEREAS, The current Honorary Board of Philly Black Pride has worked hard with past Board Members, who have admirably stepped back into the work in order to help with planning Philly Black Pride’s 25th Anniversary celebration. Those past Board members include: Chris Alton, Jeremy Taylor, Landis Osborne, Keith Brooks, Deborah Johnson, Vincent Smith, D’Ontace Keyes, and Yusef O’Bannon; current board members include Jacen Bowman, Duane Wilkins and Le Thomas; and
WHEREAS, The constellation of organizations supporting Black Pride and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly safe spaces for Black and Brown queer people, is constantly growing, with an urgent need for resources; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and expresses gratitude to Philly Black Pride for its ongoing work to center and support underserved Black and Brown folks in the LGBTQ+ community, and recognizes Thursday, April 25th through Sunday, April 28th as Black Pride Weekend in the City of Philadelphia; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Philly Black Pride as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body.
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