Atlanta Black Pride Kicks Off with Major Historic Celebration
Atlanta—The recent Atlanta Black Pride event was a significant celebration that drew over 700 business leaders, influencers, and community members to honor the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ identities. The festive atmosphere at City Hall was palpable, with patrons dressed in their best and ready to enjoy a night filled with house music, refreshments, and vibrant conversation.
The evening started with an energetic performance by dancers choreographed by Lyrik London. The dancers grooved to a mix of popular songs, including Alter Ego by Doechii featuring JT, and several tracks by Beyoncé such as Spirit from the Lion King soundtrack, Energy, and Black Parade.
One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of a contribution to the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program. The event also honored notable personalities like Nicco Annan, known for his role as Uncle Clifford on the hit show P-Valley, with the Cultural Impact Award in partnership with GLAAD. Another honoree, Roshell Darlene Hudson, received the Community Impact Award for her work as a distinguished Atlanta activist.
Emphasizing Diversity and Equity
Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized Atlanta’s role as a beacon of diversity and equity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. He highlighted that Atlanta is a city where dreams can take root and dreamers can thrive. “When I heard Global Black Pride chose Atlanta as its first-ever host city, I was not surprised, but I was excited,” he said. Dickens further committed to ensuring that Atlanta remains a beacon of hope where diversity isn’t just accepted but celebrated.
Call to Vote
The importance of voting in the upcoming presidential election was also stressed during the event. Attendees were encouraged to vote as if their lives depended on it. Senator Raphael Warnock’s words were echoed, reminding everyone that “our vote is a prayer for the world we want for ourselves, our future, and our children.”
Representation and Cultural Impact
Guest of honor, Nicco Annan, reflected on the cultural impact of his role on P-Valley and its docuseries Down in the Valley. He spoke about the importance of representation and diversity in media, expressing gratitude for the audience’s embrace of his character Uncle Clifford. Annan also teased the new season of P-Valley, hinting at more exciting developments for fans to look forward to.
Annan also pointed out the broader cultural influence of TV shows such as Madam Secretary and House of Cards in shaping societal beliefs. He encouraged everyone to continue being a cultural impact, stating, “Stay black and stay true to yourself.”
Health Initiatives
At the event, a health clinic in collaboration with the Fulton County Board of Health and the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University offered free MPOX vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and Doxy PEP to guests.
Rashad Burgess, Vice President of Advancing Health and Black Equity at Gilead Sciences, discussed the importance of emphasizing that HIV is not a crime and encouraged people to get tested and stay informed. Burgess announced a partnership with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to launch a campaign called ‘HIV Is Not a Crime,’ aiming to modernize or repeal HIV criminalization laws.
Solidarity and Celebration
In honor of Global Black Pride, the canopies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were illuminated in the colors of the pride flag from August 27 through August 30. This display welcomed international visitors and symbolized the administration’s solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
For more information about Global Black Pride, visit https://globalblackpride.org. For details about Atlanta Black Pride events, visit https://www.atlantaprideweekend.com.
