This Juneteenth, we celebrate the progress and power of Black Pride

In the mid-1970s, the nightclub ClubHouse, founded by members of Washington D.C.’s Black LGBTQ+ community, began hosting an annual event during Memorial Day weekend. The Children’s Hour became a staple for Black LGBTQ+ Americans, with many traveling from across the country to the nation’s capital. When the club closed its doors in 1990, Welmore Cook, Theodore Kirkland, and Ernest Hopkins desired to continue the legacy of the Children’s Hour. In May 1991, they launched the first Black Pride event in the country. Since then, cities across the country have hosted Black Prides.

For instance, Rochester’s Black Pride in upstate New York arose from ongoing issues of bias within the LGBTQ+ community there, says artist and community activist Gatekeeper Adrian.

“Racism with a glitter lip is still [racism],” they chuckle. “Doesn’t make it any easier … just makes it a little prettier.”

The Children’s Hour also raised awareness of the growing AIDS epidemic. Today, many Black Prides continue to meet the needs of the community, from health awareness to support for even the marginalized within a marginalized community. Black Pride is more than a celebration of queerness: It demonstrates what it means to show up for one another.

Anti-War March, 1973

An anti-war march on Constitution Street in 1973 included many Black LGBTQ+ activists.

Inner City AIDS Pride, 1991

HIV activists hold a banner at the Inner City AIDS Pride in 1991.

Rochester Black Pride

Some fashionable revelers gather for a photo at Rochester Black Pride.

Rochester Black Pride

Two happy Rochester Black Pride attendees embrace for a photo.

Rochester Black Pride

Rochester Black Pride's vogueing event is a popular favorite at the joyous celebration.

Rochester Black Pride

A dancer shows off some serious vogueing skills at Rochester Black Pride.

Rochester Black Pride

A few fabulously-dressed attendees pose for a pic at Rochester Black Pride.

Rochester Black Pride

Musicians giving it their all on stage at Rochester Black Pride.

Rochester Black Pride

Equalpride's own Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière speaks at a Rochester Black Pride luncheon.

Rochester Black Pride

White doves are release at a special ceremony at Rochester Black Pride.

Capital Pride, 2017

“No Justice, No Pride” protesters create a blockade at the Capital Pride parade in 2017, Washington, D.C.

Capital Pride, 2021

Kamala Harris with husband Douglas Emhoff at Capital Pride 2021 in Washington, D.C.

Upstate Black Pride

Musicians perform on stage at Upstate Black Pride in South Carolina.

Upstate Black Pride

A musician entertains the crowd at Upstate Black Pride in South Carolina.