Comments on: A low-key Black Pride

By: Ricky Love

Ricky Love — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:06:03 +0000

Black Pride was a HUGE failure. Back in the mid 90′s “it’s good days” it was so much fun, excitement and hope for the future. I went to Ft. Dupont Park Monday (for the first time since the 97) and it was like a poor broke azz lame family reunion in the woods. I blame the organizers for this lame duck event. It was very sad to see that after ALL these years (and all the money raised) this is what they have to show for it (shame on you Black Pride Organizers.) I love Rayceen dearly but carrying around a collection bucket was awful and a Karaoke stage, just slit my wrist. I’m happy to participate in Capital Pride every year, they have a budget and do things right (consistently). Marketing, marketing and more marketing instead of funneling money into the pockets of queens that want to “appear” to be grand for one weekend.

By: Mr Chris

Mr Chris — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:55:07 +0000

Excuse me Robbie, The only thing Capital Pride want to associate African Americans with that pride is one thing and one thing only PERFORMING!!! Pride is suppose to diversify ALL elements of the LGBTQ community. Not just the Caucasian muscle boys and a mostly Caucasian staff that plans around their norm so to speak. And it has always been that way in DC and everywhere else in the US.

None of these boards across the country have NO African Americans on their board. Therefore there won’t be diversity. And call it separatism if you want, The Latino’s and Asians in certain parts of the country do the same thing. So when Capital Pride can showcase ALL COLORS then maybe DC Black Pride will cease until then it won’t.

By: robbie

robbie — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:21:21 +0000

DC Black Pride is someone’s idea of separatism – I notice DC Black gay people can not get along – keep DC Capitol Pride for all.

By: Joseph Wesley Greene

Joseph Wesley Greene — Thu, 26 May 2011 20:27:59 +0000

Over the years I have been a loyal participant and organizer of events for DC Black Pride. I’ve seen the change in not only the young folks but the old folks too.

DC use to have a fabulous collection of everything. We set trends and the people came here to see what we would do next. Then Sizzle Miami and the most blatant disrespect that I’ve ever seen happened. Those of you observant and sharp individuals may remember the “Rest-in-Peace, DC Black Pride tombstone”

If it wasn’t for DC and other progressive cities like us, Sizzle wouldn’t exist. At least we can co-exist with straight crowds, walk down the street without getting bashed, party in the best club on the East Coast and have ten years or more in the professional environment of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Black Gays can’t go to Miami’s biggest attraction, South Beach. It’s not safe @ NW 79th Street and may not be @ the new location either.

Class and culture aren’t cheap. We started on a field and graduated to the convention center. DC’s weather is fickle in May but most of the time is 85-to-90 degrees. I don’t want to be outside in a park with mosquitoes, Park Police looking to ticket you for having a drink, parking so bad that your car may be damaged or towed and most of all, too far away from the host hotel downtown.

I applaud the efforts of the committee and hope that somehow with this return to mission stance, some new blood returns us to Fabulous and Interesting events.