The District of Columbia is the birthplace of Black Pride, grounded in a long history of intersectional advocacy and cultural organizing. Beginning with figures like William Dorsey Swann—the first self-identified drag queen—Black LGBTQIA+ Washingtonians turned homes, churches, and clubs into political and cultural hubs of pride.
Black Pride Pioneers partnered with Best Friends of D.C. and other local organizations like the Inner City AIDS Network, they launched D.C.’s first Black Pride at Banneker Field on May 25, 1991. The event drew over 800 attendees under the theme “Let Us All Come Together,” blending celebration with fundraising for AIDS services
Welmore Cook, Theodore Kirkland and Ernest Hopkins were concerned with supporting the city’s growing number of HIV positive African Americans and sought an opportunity to raise funds for HIV/AIDS organizations. They floated the idea of holding a Pride event for the city’s African American gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered and using it also to help raise funds for community organizations.
The Black Pride Movement
1999 Birth Place of Black Pride
The District of Columbia is the birthplace of Black Pride, grounded in a long history of intersectional advocacy and cultural organizing. Beginning with figures like William Dorsey Swann—the first self-identified drag queen—Black LGBTQIA+ Washingtonians turned homes, churches, and clubs into political and cultural hubs of pride. These cultural and political traditions culminated in the founding of D.C. Black Pride in 1991, the first of its kind in the nation and a model for Black Pride celebrations worldwide. Today, oral histories and archival work ensure this legacy remains accessible for future generations.
The First Black Pride
D.C.’s first Black Pride at Banneker Field on May 25, 1991.
Loss of the Memorial Day weekend Children’s Hour was about to be succeeded by the nation’s first black gay Pride celebration. Partnering with Best Friends of D.C. and other local organizations like the Inner City AIDS Network, they launched D.C.’s first Black Pride at Banneker Field on May 25, 1991. The event drew over 800 attendees under the theme “Let Us All Come Together,” blending celebration with fundraising for AIDS services. known for using a shale called Argillite for carving intricate representations of the natural and spiritual world.
“…the planned celebration represents an attempt on the part of Black gays to help themselves and not ask anyone for a handout.” – Welmore Cook
Women in the Life Magazine, Vol 4, May 1996
Center for Black Equity
The Center for Black Equity works to promote a multinational LGBTQ+ network dedicated to improving health and wellness opportunities, economic empowerment, and equal rights while promoting individual and collective work, responsibility, and self-determination.
Kenya Hutton, President of the Center for Black Equity spoke on the importance of documenting Black LGBTQIA+ contributions to local and national Pride movements
Learn more about Black Pride in Washington, D.C., including the pivotal people, places, organizations, and events at BlaqLGBT History/Pride.
Black Pride Over the Years
Presented by Abdur-Rahim Briggs, The Ummah Endowment Fund, Al Sura, Inc. and Project Briggs, Inc.
