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BALTIMORE BLACK PRIDE WAS FOUNDED IN 2002...
by Carlton "The Duchess" Smith, Leroy Burgess, Dana Owens and Kevin Clemons.
The organization, formerly named "Baltimore Black Gay Pride, Inc." and "Center for Black Equity-Baltimore", was founded to create a specific, unique space to celebrate the experiences of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and same-gender-loving (SGL) people in Baltimore City.
Baltimore Black Pride, a proud member of the International Federation of Black Prides, has a long legacy of hosting community events, awards galas and educational workshops. The Black Pride Block Party, hosted at Club Bunnz, was a staple in Black SGL/LGBTQ culture in Baltimore for many years.
In 2018, the organization changed its name to Blaq Equity Baltimore.
Blaq Equity Baltimore produces Baltimore Blaq Pride annually. October is Black LGBTQ Pride Month in Baltimore.
While many groups plan events in recognition of Black LGBTQ Pride Month, Blaq Equity Baltimore is the only, original, official producer of the annual observation of Baltimore Blaq Pride.
In 2022, Baltimore Blaq Pride celebrated 20 years of service and celebration.
Blaq Equity Baltimore is proud to partner with Black Arts District to produce Baltimore Blaq Pride 2023.
"Black Pride actually had been in existence back in the late 80's, where it was a small collective of men who had been active in our African American LGBT community, but it had no real formal name. There were issues affecting our community as a whole, but there were some things that were specific to the African American community."
- KEVIN CLEMONS, CO-FOUNDER, BALTIMORE BLAQ PRIDE
ABOUT BLAQ EQUITY BALTIMORE
Blaq Equity Baltimore envisions a society where all Black LGBTQ/SGL people thrive and feel safe, supported and whole.
Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness among the Black LGBTQ/SGL community in the Baltimore metropolitan area and increase our capacity to be mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, sexually and economically healthy.
We strive to create programs that educate, empower and uplift our diverse community. We achieve this by providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed:
1. Community engagement
2. Educational programming
3. Training and professional development
4. Strategic community coalition building.
Blaq Equity Baltimore is led by Interim Executive Director Jabari Lyles.
ABOUT BLACK ARTS DISTRICT
The Black Arts District, through an anti-displacement framework, empowers Black creatives and continues the community-based revitalization efforts in West Baltimore through culture, arts, and entertainment.
The Black Arts District was designated by the Maryland State Department of Commerce in July 2019.
The Black Arts District is Maryland's only arts & entertainment district uniquely dedicated to the cultural production of African Americans.
Black Arts District is led by Executive Director Brion "Lady Brion" Gill.
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