Title
Honoring and expressing gratitude to Philly Black Pride for its ongoing work to center and support underserved Black and Brown folks in the LGBTQ+ community, and recognizing Thursday, April 24th through Sunday, April 27th as Philly Black Pride Weekend in the City of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, Philadelphia Black Pride was founded in August 1999 and is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year. Originally known as Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, the organization has focused on providing resources and opportunities to underserved Black and Brown folks, and to transform the environments of LGBTQ+ people by creating multicultural opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Three founding members, including Michael Hinson, Doreana Kearney, and Troy Steffey, instilled an ongoing commitment to public service in Philadelphia Black Gay Pride. The group’s goal continues to be to inspire and improve experiences of individuals through programs, community engagement, policies, advocacy, partnerships and relationship building; and
WHEREAS, Philly Black Pride has an ongoing core commitment to community development, youth development, outreach and mental wellness. This year, Philly Black Pride’s 26th Anniversary Celebration is titled Love Is Love, and will center positive healing and love-focused events that celebrate the life and joy of the Black LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Philly Black Pride will host events Thursday, April 24 through Sunday, April 27. The events will include a flag raising at city hall, a game night, a queer artist showcase, an annual reception celebration, a wellness retreat, and a Black queer empowerment summit focused on building joy, confidence and power, nightlife events that promote positive interactions of Black queer joy, the announcement of the 2nd Annual Michael Hinson Mission Grants which will provide funding and resources to Black and brown queer people for education, as well as a posthumously Lifetime Achievement Award to celebrate the life and legacy of Tyrone Smith; and
WHEREAS, The current Board of Philly Black Pride has worked hard with past Board Members, who have admirably stepped back into the work in order to help with planning Philly Black Pride’s 26th Anniversary celebration. Those past Board members include: Landis Osborne, Keith Brooks, Deborah Johnson, Vincent Derek Smith; current board members include Julian King, Michael Melvin, Olu Solanke, Robert Graves, Vice President Jacen Bowman, and President Le Thomas; and
WHEREAS, The constellation of organizations supporting Black Pride and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly safe spaces for Black and Brown queer people, is constantly growing, with an urgent need for resources; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and expresses gratitude to Philly Black Pride for its ongoing work to center and support underserved Black and Brown folks in the LGBTQ+ community, and recognizes Thursday, April 24th through Sunday, April 27th as Black Pride Weekend in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philly Black Pride as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body.
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