Philly Black Pride proves you can’t gentrify joy

At a time when DEI investments are rapidly vanishing across industries and LGBTQ+ rights face mounting attacks, spaces created for and by marginalized communities are not only necessary; they're essential. That's precisely why Black Prides were created: to carve out space where our joy is prioritized, our identities are affirmed, and our communities can gather in resistance, resilience, and love.

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The Legacy of Black Prides

Born out of exclusion and non-inclusion in late 20th-century mainstream Pride movements, Black Prides emerged as vital spaces where LGBTQ+ people of color could show up fully, loudly, and joyfully. These celebrations weren't just parties but spaces for radical community building and vital resource-sharing hubs, where powerful conversations shaped and strengthened our community.

Philadelphia's Black Pride, one of the first in the nation, stands as a pillar in the legacy of Black LGBTQIA+ resistance and celebration. Held every April, our gathering coincides with the historic Penn Relays, creating a vibrant convergence drawing upon generations of Black queer folks from across the country. This tradition traces back to the 1960s when community trailblazer Tyrone Smith hosted gatherings offering refuge and connection for Black LGBTQ+ people during a time of widespread repression.

The seeds of Black Pride emerged in an era when police regularly raided gay bars, entrapped queer men, and brutalized drag performers and transgender women, especially those of color. There were no safe spaces, no legal protections, and little to no public sympathy. Smith's gatherings were revolutionary acts of radical care in a social climate riddled with fear and repression.

More Than a Celebration, Black Pride is a Movement

Small grassroots gatherings in living rooms and basements blossomed into Philadelphia Black Pride weekend, a powerful and transformative celebration of identity, culture, and healing. What was once a safe refuge in the face of adversity has grown into a cultural movement where Black LGBTQIA+ folks are truly centered, affirmed, and celebrated in the fullness of who they are.

More than a party, it's a legacy that continues to thrive due to the unwavering dedication of our committed members and the invaluable support of our community partners.

Today, standing on the shoulders of giants who came before us, Philadelphia Black Pride continues to be a trailblazer regarding what impact looks like in the community. Despite operating on a fraction of the budget enjoyed by Pride Month organizers in June, our commitment to our community has never wavered.

Last year, in honor of our 25th Anniversary, we launched the Michael Hinson Scholarship Fund, named after a trailblazing advocate for the Black LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia and a founding member behind the formal establishment of Philly Black Gay Pride in 1999. The fund invests in the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders, ensuring they have the necessary resources to unlock their fullest potential. Through year-round programming and strategic partnerships, we're committed to building our infrastructure to drive systemic change, advance equity, and create lasting opportunities within the community.

The Urgency of Now

However, this work cannot be done in isolation. Under today's polarizing political climate, Black queer and trans communities often face compounded marginalization, and are among some of the most vulnerable. The threats to our safety, rights, and freedoms continue to mount, and the need for community support has never been greater. As our communities continue to navigate the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality, we must build a coalition of allies and advocates who will stand with us and actively contribute to our safety, joy, and empowerment.

Our community needs more than visibility, we need infrastructure. Philly Black Pride is working toward becoming a fully self-sustaining organization that operates year-round, advocates for critical policy change, and creates affirming spaces where Black LGBTQ+ people can truly thrive.

This vision demands meaningful support during Philly Black Pride weekend and every day of the year. Whether through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or the gift of time and talent, every act of generosity fuels our mission.

We are building something bigger than an event—a movement grounded in care, equity, and possibility.

The fight against systemic inequities, racism, transphobia, anti-Blackness, and homophobia requires a collective response. It calls for allies, advocates, and institutions willing to stand with us and be ready to invest in a future where those most marginalized are finally at the center.

Erasure of Black and Brown Spaces

The need for Black and Brown spaces is particularly urgent in Philadelphia. Recently, we witnessed the closure of the city'scity's only two Black- and Brown-owned bars in the Gayborhood– LevelUp and Cockatoo. Their absence represents more than a lost nightlife experience. It's the erasure of spaces that acted as refuges for LGBTQ+ people of color, where we could enjoy our culture, rally around the community, and patronize our own.

Their absence is more than a loss. The shuttering of Black queer nightlife spaces isn'tisn't isolated to Philadelphia; it's part of a troubling national pattern. From Washington D.C. to New York to Los Angeles, beloved Black- and Brown LGBTQ-owned bars, clubs, and lounges are disappearing, erasing vital spaces where our communities have gathered to celebrate, organize, and simply be. Their closures reflect deeper systemic issues, gentrification, underinvestment, and the continued marginalization of Black LGBTQ+ life within both mainstream gay and Black spaces.

As these spaces vanish, so do the stories, connections, and legacies they held. We must see this moment as a call to action to reimagine what safe spaces look like for Black LGBTQ+ communities across the nation. It's imperative that our larger communities, allies, and partners join us in changing this narrative. In these turbulent times, it isn't just about survival; it's about shaping a future where Black LGBTQ+ people are empowered year-round.

For generations, Black queer and trans communities have been asked to do more with less, stretching limited resources to create vibrant, life-affirming spaces in the face of systemic neglect. But if history has taught us anything, it's that when we are counted out, we rise up. We build our own tables, carve out our own space, and create brilliance despite every barrier.

Imagine the societal ills we could remedy if we were fully resourced. Black Prides are more than parties. They're movements with roots that sustain our history, challenge the status quo, and ignite a path toward a more inclusive future. Now, more than ever, support matters.

Leaders in our community are ready to build coalitions that show up in unity to ensure that Black LGBTQ+ voices continue to shine bright despite the dark times.

Olu Solanke (he/him) is a dynamic public relations and marketing professional with over eight years of experience driving impactful campaigns for top entertainment, lifestyle, and technology brands. With expertise in integrated marketing strategies, media relations, social media engagement, influencer partnerships, event planning, and account management, Olu has consistently delivered results that resonate. Deeply passionate about the intersection of strategic communications and Black culture, Olu is committed to amplifying diverse voices and creating space for underrepresented stories. When not crafting innovative strategies, you'll find him experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen or embarking on outdoor adventures across the globe.

Arranged for Pride.com by Nikki Aye, Digital Photo Editor

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