Arts & Entertainment

Sampson returns for Oct. 11 event at African-American History Museum

Native Washingtonian on life in Calif., the Cosby scandal, his upcoming Speak Easy and more

Published

8 years ago

October 4, 2018

Joey DiGuglielmo

Sampson McCormick, gay news, Washington Blade

Sampson McCormick</strong. says D.C. will always be home. (Photo courtesy of McCormick)

Native Washingtonian Sampson McCormick is bummed the National Museum of African-American History & Culture wasn’t open before he left town to move to Los Angeles six years ago. He’s visited it several times since it opened two years ago.

“What I really love about it is they don’t just pick parts of it to include but we’re there in all our capacities, the 33-year-old, self-described old soul says. “Other museums may mention Bayard Rustin but they won’t mention that these were queer people of color. This museum really spells it out and I really like that.”

Sampson, an established stand-up comedian, will headline an old-fashioned Harlem Renaissance Speak Easy event on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the museum. It will also feature Charlene A. Carruthers, a black, queer feminist community organizer who will discuss her book, “Unapologetic” and spoken word artist 2Deep. It’s free but tickets are required. Sampson spoke to the Blade by phone last week.

WASHINGTON BLADE: How is California treating you?

SAMPSON: I like it. California is a place where people come to be free and there isn’t as much judgement here as there is back east. They’ll say, “I don’t like you,” back there but here it’s a little more passive-aggressive. But it’s cool. I’m making it work.

BLADE: Tell us about the event.

SAMPSON: It’s a Harlem renaissance-themed evening to celebrate queer black artists. It’s basically gonna reflect on those who came before and show where we are now. I’m the first queer comedian to headline there.

BLADE: How did they know about you?

SAMPSON: How could they not? I’ve been performing for 20 years and have created a body of work that speaks for itself. I use my platform to contribute as much as I can to our growth as a community. I have a really great reputation that I’m proud of.

BLADE: Do you make it back to D.C. very often?

SAMPSON: I love D.C. I hadn’t been for about a year. I was having a little bit of family drama … but I get back as often as I can. D.C. is home.

BLADE: What prompted you to move? Career?

SAMPSON: I was crazy, I moved out here for love. We met in D.C., were absolute love birds and after we’d been together a little over a year, we moved to the Bay Area. It was a big jump. We broke up last year.

BLADE: Are you seeing anybody now?

SAMPSON: You would think as gorgeous and sexy as I am, you would think I am, but dating is hard, especially with the apps now. But nobody serious right now, which is sad.

BLADE: As a comedian, did the Cosby conviction hit you any harder?

SAMPSON: It was hard seeing him shuffle down that hallway in those handcuffs. That was hard because that’s a part of your childhood. He was America’s dad. We were all disappointed, black or white. We all looked at him and held him up as a favorite family member. But somebody who rapes people, it’s wrong and they should have to suffer the consequences.

BLADE: How are black gay guys different in California than D.C.?

SAMPSON: Oh Lord, you want me to be honest? They don’t date other black men in San Francisco or Los Angeles. If you see a black gay couple here, you better be taking some pictures because you won’t see it again for a long time.

BLADE: Why is that?

SAMPSON: I don’t have anything against interracial dating. Love is love, but I do believe there are some internal conflicts among black gay men out here. On the East Coast, it’s more celebrated but not as much on the West Coast. Atlanta, D.C., Chicago — those are black cities. The landscape is just a lot different in L.A. and San Francisco. And if you’re a darker-skinned black man, a lot of times people are only interested in you as a sexual fetish.

BLADE: What’s the last thing you saw that cracked you up?

SAMPSON: I love “Insecure” on HBO. I would love to be on that show. And “Pose” is another show that’s really funny.

Related Topics:2Deep Charlene A. Carruthers D.C.Los Angeles National Museum of African-American History & Culture Sampson McCormick

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Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

2 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

6 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Celebrity News

Madonna to perform at World Pride in Amsterdam

‘Confessions II’ album released earlier this month to rave reviews

Published

2 days ago

July 30, 2026

Michael K. Lavers

Madonna will perform at the World Pride Music Festival in Amsterdam on Aug. 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of MISTR)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key will be on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10. They will be covering World Pride in Amsterdam.

AMSTERDAM — Madonna on Saturday will perform at World Pride in Amsterdam.

She is scheduled to appear alongside Stuart Price, Honey Dijon, and other “special guests” at the World Pride Music Festival at AFAS Live concert hall. The Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade will take place earlier on Saturday.

MISTR, a telehealth platform that offers free access to PrEP, Doxy PEP, STI testing, and long-term HIV care, is organizing Madonna’s performance.

Madonna on July 2 released her new album, “Confessions II,” to rave reviews.

She appeared at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., in April. Madonna in June celebrated Pride month with a pop-up performance in New York’s Times Square.

“Everyone here is a work of art,” says the World Pride Music Festival performance poster, referring to a line from “Danceteria” on “Confessions II.”