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Comings & Goings
David Park named president of Learning Heroes
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Congratulations to David Park on becoming president of Learning Heroes, an organization that according to its website “partners with states, districts, and organizations to engage families as a strategy for advancing school and student success goals. Working closely with national and local partners, we lift up experiences of families and educators in communities throughout the country to catalyze the scale of research-based practices nationally.”
Park is a firm believer in the power of community to support a child’s learning and development. A proud public school alum, he is passionate about working with communities to prioritize education and opportunities for children and youth. For 10 years, he has played a pivotal role in Learning Heroes’ growth, with a specific focus on strategic partnerships and communications. Upon assuming the role of president, Park said, “Education happens everywhere – in schools, at home, and throughout the community. And yet too many children and youth, especially those from low-income families, don’t have that critical web of support they need to help discover and explore their passion and purpose. When families, schools, and communities come together on behalf of children, doors of opportunity open, allowing kids to succeed, thrive, and contribute to society. To me, there’s nothing more important.”
In his continued work with Learning Heroes, Park will focus on organizational impact, overseeing operations, programming, and strategic direction. He has helped develop and lead Learning Heroes’ major public awareness and collective action initiatives, including the Go Beyond Grades campaign, which has reached 30 million people nationwide, and the Collective Action Coalition for Families.
Prior to joining Learning Heroes, Park served as Vice President of Mission Advancement for America’s Promise Alliance, where he launched the GradNation campaign, which drove historic gains in high school graduation rates. He also held senior roles at global communications firms, including Ogilvy Public Relations, and Porter Novelli. He taught communications at Georgetown University, and has been featured on MSNBC, in the Huffington Post, and quoted in many local dailies and education trade outlets. Throughout his career, Park has also worked closely with the LGBTQ+ community, including with GLSEN, PFLAG, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Matthew Shepard Foundation, and Whitman-Walker.
Park earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from American University. He lives with his husband Clarence Pineda (a Realtor with Compass Real Estate) and their rescue dog Violet in D.C. and Rehoboth Beach, Del.
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
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