Pride particulars

J. Holiday performs at last year's Black Pride. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: Go here for a full story on this year’s D.C. Black Pride.

This weekend, in its usual Memorial Day weekend slot, comes D.C. Black Pride celebrating its 21st year.

The local event, which founder Earl Fowlkes used as a springboard to launch the International Federation of Black Prides, has a slightly different schedule this year but is still focused on building a stronger black LGBT community in Washington.

Events kicked off Thursday and run through Monday. The Blade is a sponsor.

The Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel (14^th and K streets, N.W.) is the official host hotel for out-of-town visitors.

Tonight from 7 to 10 p.m., an opening reception and awards ceremony will be held. Admission is free. The Welmore Cook Community Service awards will be given to out local activists Ron Collins and Khadijah Tribble.

Workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. A film festival will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the Sphinx Club Grand Ballroom. Admission is $20. A “poetry slam” will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. also in the ballroom hosted by “Buttaflysoul.” Cash prizes will be awarded. Contestants must sign up in advance.

At 10 p.m., a retro dance will be held at the hotel. Admission is $15.

On Sunday, a church service will be held, again at the hotel. It’s free.

Unlike years past, the main festival with booths and entertainment will be held on Memorial Day (Monday) at Fort Dupont Park. The event will be held in conjunction with Us Helping Us, a local AIDS charity that specializes in the black LGBT community.

Visit dcblackpride.org for more information.