In the Life Atlanta – Our History
In 1996, a small group of African American le***an and gay friends held a picnic over Labor Day weekend to celebrate their unique experience in Atlanta’s LGBT community. Each year, the group grew with others from the community and neighboring cities. As the celebration grew, ITLA and Atlanta Black Pride were born. ITLA is a non-profit, volunteer-led 501(c)3 organization that is often considered a trailblazer for Black Prides across the World. Each year, ITLA makes history by doing more programs and events during Labor Day weekend and throughout the year in response to the needs of our targeted community. The annual Atlanta Black Pride celebration now attracts gay people of color from every part of the nation, as well as from countries abroad. Atlanta has one of the largest Black populations in the country and has become a welcoming, melting pot of diverse communities. ITLA has been rolling out the red carpet for our LGBT community and its visitors in celebration of our values, contributions, and PRIDE. As we have continued to evolve, ITLA has also been able to provide year-round programs and events that promote community leadership, education, healthy living, self-empowerment, economic growth, and political involvement. In the Life Atlanta – Our Focus
Promoting Black LGBT people of African descent and their families
Providing safe, open, and cultural events for Atlanta’s LGBT community
Building relationships with the diverse LGBT organizations that can support the Black LGBT community Increasing the visibility of issues that affect LGBT communities of African descent Mobilizing African American LGBT communities for positive programs in education, health, and advocacy
