The first Pride event celebrating Black LGBTQ communities, Global Black Pride, debuted in This week in the United States. The festival began on Tuesday and ends on Monday in Atlanta. It offers a varied program and is headlined by “Pose” actor and singer Billy Porter.
Nigerian singers Omawumi and Yemi Alade will also perform on Saturday. Statement to NBC NewsFounder of the organization, Michael Ighodaro, said the main goal of the celebrations is to emphasize inclusion.
“The goal of Global Black Pride is to create a powerful platform that amplifies the voices, experiences and needs of Black LGBTQ+ communities worldwide,” Ighodara said.
Global Black Pride features workshops, a health conference, art exhibitions, a Global Black Trans Rally, and the Global Black Pride Freedom March.
“We want to promote unity, celebrate our diverse cultures and advocate for the human rights and health of Black LGBTQ+ people around the world,” Ighodara said. “We want to send a clear message that Black LGBTQ+ lives matter and that our existence and rights are non-negotiable.”
Global Black Pride began in 2020 during the pandemic. The organization hosted a 12-hour worldwide virtual party and a “joyful uprising against existing power structures that continue to dismiss the importance of black lives.” according to TimeOut.
The first Pride event was held in Toronto in 2022, and the celebrations are now held every two years. Last year, conservative state lawmakers introduced more than 510 bills attacking the rights of LGBTQ people, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
Ighodaro explained that Global Black Pride will continue to fight for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations, whatever the cost.
“Global Black Pride aims to counteract these negative narratives by demonstrating the resilience, strength and solidarity of our community.”
