Charlotte Black Gay Pride held their annual community expo on Saturday, July 20 at the Naomi Drennan Community Center in Charlotte. Dozens of community members attended to interact with and learn more about the several businesses and non-profits in attendance. Entertainers also took the stage on Saturday afternoon, along with elected officials and candidates. Charlotte City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield, the city’s first openly gay or lesbian elected official, was present and gave a short speech welcoming the community to the event. Also present were North Carolina state House Rep. Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford), City Council District 2 candidate Al Austin, District 4 candidate Will Russell and representatives for City Councilmember and mayoral candidate James Mitchell and City Councilmember David Howard. The community expo was one of several events staged by Charlotte Black Gay Pride this year. The events kicked off with a town hall hosted by Mayfield; Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon, who is running for mayor this year, attended briefly. Other events included social mixers, parties, an “old school” field day and nightlife parties planned by a variety of local promoters. : :
info: cgbp.org.
July 20 Charlotte Black Gay Pride. File Photo
