02/20/2026
Dear Community,
As we celebrate Black History Month, we are taking intentional time to shine a light on the Black Pride organizers around the world whose names you may not always know, but whose work makes Black Pride possible.
This is not an exhaustive list. These are some of the current leaders carrying the torch — and we must also honor the pioneers over the past 35 years whose names may not appear here, but whose DNA is woven into every stage, march, health fair, ballroom, and sacred space we now call Black Pride.
Black Pride has never been “just a party.”
It is infrastructure.
It is advocacy.
It is HIV testing and wellness clinics.
It is political education.
It is economic empowerment.
It is chosen family.
It is safety.
We highlight these leaders while also recognizing that many of them are supported by dedicated teams, boards, volunteers, creatives, and community partners who help bring Black Pride to life year after year. Black Pride has always been powered by community.
We proudly honor:
Tandra Lagrone • Dr. Tara Jae • Naomie Pieter • Clarice M.D. Gargard • Luise “Cheezi” Farmer • Randy L. Rafter • Curtis Santos • Regina Duggins • Miles Perry • Charles Edward Nelson II • Tamara Stephney • Kenya Hutton • Carmen Neely • TC Caldwell • Nicole Williams • John Humphries • Jason Black • A Nzere Kwanea • Dennis Bacon • Joseph Lindsey • Shawn-Karon-Bumpase • Antoine Ghoston • Thea Williams • Ricardo Wynn • LaTonya Noble • Dwayne Jenkins • Tim Mack • Nikki Alexander-Tumblin • Lee Soulja • Olaywa K Austin • Steven R. Sawyer • Jo Amaranthe • Jason Bowman • Tausha Bonner Johnson • Olaide Kayode Timileyin • Chanel Snead • Jordan Daniels • Johanna Perez • Lisa Williams • Darius Jones • Damon Jones • J Carl Devine • Dr. Davin D. Clemons • Dr. Darnell Gooch Jr • Lady Phyll • Terena Starks • Dr. Caroline Caldwell • Paul Brooks
These leaders — and their teams — are safeguarding culture and creating spaces where Black LGBTQ+ people can gather fully, freely, and safely.
If you are looking for a Black Pride near you, or planning to travel and want to support one in another city, we encourage you to visit centerforblackequity.org to explore the official listing of Black Prides. Many organizers are actively uploading their upcoming events, so please continue to check back for updates from around the world.
As we honor this legacy, we must also protect its future.
Through the Save the Black Prides campaign, we are working to ensure that Black Prides remain funded, supported, and accessible for generations to come. Your support, advocacy, and engagement help sustain this global movement.
Black Pride is legacy.
Black Pride is global.
Black Pride is love in action.
