DURHAM, N.C. — Triangle Black Pride’s fourth annual Shades of Pride Weekend will be held from July 25-28, most activities taking place in the Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan St. Akil Campbell, chairperson for Triangle Black Pride, told qnotes that the event is an opportunity to bridge community.
“We’re not separate from other Prides, but the culture is just different,” said Campbell, a Jamaica native who has lived in the U.S. for 17 years. “It is to introduce and include others in that culture, a celebration of culture open to all.”
According to Campbell, Triangle Black Pride has faced serious challenges with funding this year.
“It’s just not there,” Campbell told qnotes. “We operate as a non-profit and rely on donations and sponsorships, but it’s just not there.”
Still, Campbell and other organizers have pulled together an impressive array of events.
Registration and Pride packet pick-up will happen on Thursday, July 25, from 3-7 p.m. and Friday, July 26, from 3-6 p.m. A welcome reception will also be held on Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m., where Campbell said he is expecting Durham Mayor Bill Bell and N.C. House Rep. Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford). He also hopes Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt will be in attendance.
Evening events on Friday include two separate “Express Yourself! Pajama Jam” parties, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., one for men at the Durham Convention Center and one for women at The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave. Both events will charge a $10 cover fee or $15 for in-and-out.
Workshops and seminars will be held on Saturday, July 27. Health screenings, an expo and film festival are also slated. An LGBTQ writer’s workshop will also be held, along with several other events.
“Our last two events, I’m very eager to see and be a part of,” Campbell said. “We have an Inspirational Jazz Brunch on Sunday and we are closing out with a music and comedy event.”
Later on Saturday an event called the Treasure Palace will take place at The Bar from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. with a $20 cover.
On Sunday, July 28, the organization will host an Inspirational Jazz Brunch with Byron Jamal from Noon-3 p.m. at the convention center.
Scheduled Events:
Registration and Pride Packet Pick-up
Thursday, July 25, 3-7 p.m. and
Friday, July 26, 3-6 p.m.
Durham Convention Center
301 W. Morgan St.
Welcome Reception with Mayor Bill Bell and Rep. Marcus Brandon
Friday, July 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Durham Convention Center
Express Yourself! Pajama Jam
Friday, July 26, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
$10 regular cover, $15 in-and-out
HIS Bed — Durham Convention Center, featuring SUKI
HER Bed — The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave.
Workshops/Seminars
Saturday, July 27, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Durham Convention Center
Health Screenings
Saturday, July 27, Noon-4 p.m.
Durham Convention Center
Expo and Film Festival
Saturday, July 27, Noon-5 p.m.
Durham Convention Center
LGBTQ Writer’s Workshop
Saturday, July 27, 3-5 p.m.
Durham Convention Center
Live Music, Comedy and Open Mic Event
Saturday, July 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Durham Convention Center
The Treasure Palace
Saturday, July 27, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave., $20 Cover
Inspirational Jazz Brunch with Byron Jamal
Sunday, June 28, Noon-3 p.m.
Durham Convention Center