By Walter Rutledge
The 19th Annual NYC Black Pride 2016 begins today with IGNITE: The opening reception at ALOFT Harlem, 2296 Frederick Douglas Blvd. The five-day celebration, which runs through Sunday, August 21, will feature events celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ people of color. NYC Black Pride, the oldest LGBTQ celebration, has morphed throughout the United States into celebrations of awareness, camaraderie, and tolerance.
During his eight-year tenure as executive director Lee Soulja has stressed the need to make NYC Black Pride more than just a Bacchanal. Soulja and his committee of volunteers have developed a series of events that emphasizes the cultural and historical elements of the LBGTQ community. Events designed to create cultural awareness through education include the 6th Black Pride Film Festival, a Health and Healing Symposium and The Heritage Awards Ceremony.
Established in 1997 NYC Black Pride remains the longest consecutive event focusing on the Black and Latin LBGTQ community. The celebration now attracts attendees from United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Caribbean making it one of the largest events for this community. To remain inclusive and accessible to all participants most of the events are free. For more information visit nycblackpride.com, and on Facebook @ NYC Black Pride 2016.
NYC Black Pride 2016