Bars & Parties
Black Pride events
Lineup includes poetry slams, fashion shows, musical performances
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.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
El Techo will host, in partnership with Cherry Fund, a special edition of “Cherry Sundays” on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m.
This event is a one-day fundraising bottomless brunch. There will be performances by Evry Pleasure, Tara Hoot and TrevHER, with DJ Lemz. All tequila shot purchases will be donated to the Cherry Fund.
The Cherry Fund raises money for LGBTQ non-profits whose primary goal is to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS with prevention, treatment and education, and mental health services.
The event costs $45, inclusive of bottomless brunch on margaritas, mimosas, Bloody Marys and Tecates.
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend arrives next week with a kickoff event Thursday, Jan. 11 from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. at Bunker. Organizers at Kinetic promise a surprise drill sergeant who will whip you into shape. Joshua Ruiz DJs the event. This event is for VIP pass holders only; visit kineticpresents.com for details.
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
Brittney Griner considered suicide in Russian prison
HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
4th Circuit rules gender identity is a protected characteristic
Pride season has begun
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Pageant
