Charlotte Black Gay Pride 2013

Charlotte, NC

To promote LGBT pride for members of the African Diaspora while raising social awareness, embracing spirituality and celebrating the diversity that exists in our community.

Charlotte Black Gay Pride

In 2002, plans to host a Black Gay Pride event in Charlotte, North Carolina came to life. Spearheaded by Damon Blackman, owner of Dman Productions and Jermaine Nakia Lee, a talented artist and promoter; the inception of Charlotte’s Black Gay Pride event began at Organik Funk.

Recognizing the value of mentoring, networking and needed resources, Blackman connected with the International Federation of Black Prides in Washington DC, while; Nakia Lee began working on funding and programming. Together Blackman (Chair) and Nakia Lee (Co-chair) – formed the first official CNCBGP board. This board consisted of Lynkoya Handy (Treasurer) and community activist Monica Simpson (Secretary). Together they worked diligently to present and host Charlottes First Black Gay Pride Celebration in 2005.

Driven by the event’s established purpose to empower and strengthen the visibility of LGBT people of the African Diaspora in the Charlotte Community, the event drew a record-breaking 7000+ attendees. The 2005 apropos theme was “A New Day”. It was simplistic and appropriate as the event was truly the dawn of a new beginning for the LGBT community.

In 2008, Charlotte NC Black Gay Pride set out to refocus its purpose, mission, and vision. This lead to the repositioning of the organization in the community to aligned with the purpose of its existence.

With continued growth always a precursor and buoyed by the whole-hearted support of individuals, foundations, organizations, groups and corporations who have generously volunteered their time and donated their resources, Charlotte NC Black Gay Pride (CNCBGP) became Charlotte Black Gay Pride (CBGP) in August of 2008 and its 501C3 non-profit status was attained at the conclusion of its year five by Jahaan Norvell with a new board in place to move forward.

2010 was a huge success, with only two board members, Terrence Stewart (Chair) and Jahaan Norvell (Co-Chair), CBGP managed to pull off the weekend, regaining its attendance at 5000+ people and hosting a diverse entertainment lineup at the expo. In 2010, the organization manged to create and gain new partnership and relationship in the community.

In 2011 the organization received an enormous amount of support from the city, state, and local LGBT organization in the community. Our organization mission for next year is to foster educational and informational events that support the mission, vision, and purpose of black gay prides around the world during pride weekend.

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