This year marks Charlotte Black Pride’s 19th anniversary. Over the years, much has changed: locations, performers, crowd size and the events available for the community to take part in, among others.
Among the constants that haven’t changed is the presence of Jermaine Nakia Lee, one of the co-founders of Charlotte Black Pride when it first began back in 2005.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving Charotte Black Pride (CBP) since its inception,” Lee recalls.
“I’m one of CBP’s proud Founders, [which has] included Damon Blackmon, Korey Handy and Monica Simpson.”
These days, Lee serves CBP as the organization’s Development Director, which makes gim chiefly responsible for fundraising efforts of the organization. “I cultivate relationships with potential donors and organizations [and] secure philanthropic support that fuels CBP programs or projects,” Lee explains.
It’s not often that you find an organization with nearly 20 years of history, and an original co-founder, not just still involved, but continuing to serve in a leadership position. Lee shares his thought on what keeps him motivated and excited.
“CBP was founded as a cultural institution,” he offers. “We liken CBP to the Gantt Center, the Levine Museum of the New South, the Charlotte History Museum and other local keepers of history and culture. CBP’s mission is to present, celebrate, promote and preserve African-American LGBTQ+ culture in Charlotte. Every year, we invite all people to enjoy the richness of Black queer culture.
But that’s only part of Lee’s driving force.
“It’s the exploration of Southern Black queer culture that reinvigorates me year after year.
The culture is so multi-faceted and evolving, future generations could never get bored presenting [the] Southern Black LGBTQ+ way of life.”
Clearly, change is a constant in the LGBTQ+ community CBP has made a dedicated effort to keep up with an ever-evolving culture. To that point, one of the most important strategic plans CBP has initiated over the past three years has been recruiting and sustaining young adult, trans/non-binary identified senior board directors and volunteers. “At one point, we found that our leadership was not the truest reflection of the community we serve,” says Lee. “Today, our board leadership, volunteers, stakeholders, partner organizations and programming better reflect our community.”
“In 2025, CBP will celebrate its 20 year Anniversary,” Lee continues excitedly. “[And] we plan to have one to two full time staffers and a brick and mortar office facility within the year.
Attendance numbers from last year’s CBP official Pride Week events and the attendance at promotional events produced in celebration of CBP Week show an average of over 80,000 pride goers. “We expect to exceed that number this year,” says Lee. “The amount of Black queer promoters has doubled since last year.”
During the week of July 13-21 Charlotte Black Pride promises to deliver a multitude of artistic, cultural, political, nightlife and even family-friendly events throughout the Queen City. The theme of the event for CBP 2024, “Pride on Purpose = P.O.P.,” is called just that, Lee explains, because its intent is to encourage patrons to be intentional and unapologetic about expressing their LGBTQ+ pride or allyship.
“In order to not be revised or erased, Black queer folk and those who love us must amplify the achievements, history, identity, rights and values of the culture,” Lee says. “We are encouraging pride-goers to be mindful of this greater purpose as they advocate, celebrate, march and socialize this Pride festival season.”
Festival Highlights
Among the highlights of the week-long festival is a screening of the movie “Eden’s Garden,” a feature film starring all Black Trans Men. Produced by Seven King Studios, the film will be shown Wednesday July 17 during the annual Town Hall Meeting. The director and cast will be present for a post show talk-back discussion on transgender identity.
Legendary DJ, visual artist and culture curator Dammit Wesley will spin Friday July 19, at te Meet ‘n Greet Reception and neo-soul sensation Sanpriest headlines the EXPO Extravaganza on Saturday, July 20.
Politicians Slated to Attend
Elected Officials committed to attending various Pride Week events are former at-large and mayor pro tem of Charlotte City Council Braxton Winston, now running to become NC’s next Commissioner of Labor; Charlotte City Council members Dante Anderson (District 1) and LaWana Mayfield (at-large) and Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham (at-large).
Where Does Funding for Charlotte Black Pride Come From?
Like most community based organizations, CBP is sustained by small, yet consistent one-time or recurring donations from the city’s LGBTQ+ and allied communities. Solicited donations, grant and foundation funding from advocacy organizations, banks, local businesses, national retailers and pharmaceuticals account for the bulk of our annual Pride Week resources.
Sponsors for This Year’s Event
CBP is proud to collaborate this year with ViiV Healthcare as Presenting Sponsor. Gilead Sciences again joins the family of givers as a Diamond Sponsor. New to the giving circle is the National LGBTQ Task Force as a Gold Sponsor and Mistr as a Silver Sponsor. The Taskforce will be distributing non-partisan voter education and voter equity information. Mistr is a gay owned and operated online pharmacy committed to making PrEP available to all who need it. In addition, a special recognition is given to the Center for Black Equity, which has served as a dedicated sponsor since 2005.
Everyone Is Welcome
CBP Week and the many events and programs we host throughout the year are an important aspect of the city’s cultural ecosystem. “Though I’m not Greek or Anglo-Saxon, I attend the Greek Festival and Renaissance festival without pause every year,” Lee offers. “I am not of LatinX heritage, but I attend all three major celebrations each season. These celebrations are important to me and my family because we respect and honor these cultures and their fascinating contributions.”
And so it is with Black LGBTQ+ Southern culture.
Says Lee: “Come and experience the familiar intersections and the vastly unique creativity, culinary arts, presentation, style and substance of Black queers in the Queen City. You won’t be disappointed.”
For a list of times, events and locations visit https://charlotteblackpride.org/ ::
