D.C. plays host to a wide array of Black Pride events this weekend, from poetry slams and fashion shows to workshops and musical performances. For more information, visit dcblackpride.org.

The host hotel for this year’s DC Black Pride is Hamilton Crown Plaza, 1001 14th St., N.W. (14th & K streets), Washington, D.C.

Friday, May 28

DC Black Pride opening reception (Free)

Hamilton Ballroom

7-10 p.m.

Reception honoring the District of Columbia City Council, Charlotte Smallwood & Jeffrey Richardson. Refreshments and cash bar.

Saturday, May 29

DC Black Pride workshops (free), 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel

10:30 AM – Noon, “Do You See What I See? Personal Vision Development,” with Angela Harvey of Let’s T.A.L.K. Participants will learn how to create a vision board and ways to “see” their way to greatness.
Hamilton Ballroom

11 AM – Noon,
Somewhere Over The Rainbow-The Joy of Lesbian and Gay Travel,
presented by Donna Shands-Island. There will be a chance to win a trip for two.
Lafayette Park Room

11 AM–Noon,
Operation: REBIRTH – Overcoming Homophobia in the Black Church,
presenter: Tuan N’Gai. Franklin Square Room

Noon–1 PM,
“Yes We Can!” How do we create and sustain healthy, positive, empowering, monogamous relationships?
Presented by Dr. Christopher A. Lester. Lafayette Park Room

Noon–1 PM,
“Out on Campus”
moderated by Samantha Master. Franklin Park Room

1 PM – 2 PM,
“The Generation Gap,”
moderated by Sterling Washington,
featuring Sheila Alexander-Reid,
Genesis Nunlee,
Andre Rosario,
Courtney Williams.
Panel will discuss ageism. Lafayette Park Room

1 PM – 2 PM,
Health Care Reform – What’s in it for me? Franklin Square Room

2 PM – 3 PM,
“The Thickness: A Discussion About Healthy Bodies.”
Lafayette Park Room

2 PM – 3 PM,
“Imagine,”
moderated by Katrina Kirchoff, Microsoft Staffing & HR. Franklin Square Room

DC Black Pride Writer’s Forum (free)

Hosted by Fire & Ink,
noon – 2 PM,
Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel

“Why Do You Write? Why Do You Read? How Do You Succeed?”
Moderated by Reginald Harris. 


DC Black Pride Film Festival ($10)

Hamilton Ballroom, co-hosted by Glo–TV, 2-6 PM,
Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel

Films:
“Happy Birthday” – Abigail wants a dildo. Hannah wants a baby. Jack and Madeleine are happy with things just the way they are. Written and directed by Roberta Munroe (15 min)

“Finding Juliet” – Heartbroken and struggling to forget the image of her girlfriend cheating on her with an ex, Meeko Brown attempts to put the past behind her by setting out to find her one true love, her Juliet. (28 mins)

“Spoiled” – Tuffy Alexander is successful, smart, and has a demanding relationship. How far will she allow herself to be stretched to keep it? Written and directed by Michelle Sewell. (11 min)

“Dani and Alice” – After an evening out Dani and Alice must come to terms with the end of their violent relationship. Written and directed by Roberta Munroe (12 min)

“Flipping the Script” – excerpts of sit down interviews of forthcoming documentary feature. Written and directed by Demetrius Bady. Produced by Maurice Jamal (30 mins)

“Friends and Lover” – a spinoff from the hit “The Ski Trip.” The story follows Corey and Omar as they relocate to Los Angeles and contemplate getting married. Written and directed by Maurice Jamal (90 mins).
Special appearances by directors Michelle Sewell and Maurice Jamal.

DC Black Pride Poetry Slam ($5)

Hamilton Ballroom,
6-9 PM,
Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel, hosted by ButterFlySoul

DC Black Pride Fashion & Entertainment ($20)

EXTRAVAGANZA!

The Sphinx,
1315 K Street, N.W., 9:30 PM – 12 AM. Hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis.

Sunday May 30

Church service, Hamilton Ballroom,
Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel,
10 AM-Noon.

Rev. Eric P. Lee is president/CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference-Los Angeles.

Health and Wellness Expo Entertainment ($15)

J Holiday headlines, Washington Convention Center,
1-7 PM

Segment 1: 2–3 PM, hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis and featuring Running Water, Romance, Sabrina Blue, Yarde, Monet Dupree, Tina Tuna Adams, Telle Thomas, Eric Rainbow, Shadina/Topaz, Yahzarah
and Beat Ya Feet Kings.

Segment 2, 4:15-4:45 PM, hosted by Shi-Queeta Lee with Epiphany Bloomingdale, Tyria Iman, Raquel Savage, Lacountress Farrington
and Brandi Courvisler.

Segment 3, 6:15-7 PM, hosted by ButtaFlySoul and featuring DJ Flexx and J Holiday.