Thursday, August 06, 2009

Year 5 Indiana Black Pride





It is very hard to believe that another Indiana Black Pride festival is upon us! it is even harder to believe that we have been doing this for 5 years. And even though I had to be away for two of those years, it is amazing how this entity always seems to take on a life of its own!

This particular pride season has brought many more challenges than any of us believed that we would survive. Through changes in leadership and the loss of some very key board members we have also seen the addition of some very capable and enlightening young fresh board members.

So as we prepare for another exciting black pride weekend, I wanted to take a moment to invite everyone black, white, latino, asian, gay, straight, bisexual, unidentified, young, old, and ageless to come out and support this very important movement taking place in Indianapolis!

the mission, vision and goals of Indiana Black Pride are still relevant and neccessary in the world we live in. There are many African American GLBT people who do not feel that their lives and experiences are validated and honored. Though the overall black community has come a long way we are still miles away from open honest dialogue concerning inclusion and respect. Similarly, in the general GLBT community we still do need to have more conversations around the subjects of race and equality.

As a community we understand that we have a lot of work to do as it relates to educating other communities about our history, culture, and shared experiences. However, we also understand that the most urgent and neccessary work begins with us. We mut be intentional about supporting and encouraging one another. We must become a unified voice speaking out for the issues that most effect our lives. We must continue to tell our stories and speak out for those who are voiceless. We must continue to celebrate that which makes us different as well as that which unites us with black communities and gay communities around the world!

Join us this Saturday, August 8th at Oscar Charleston Park 30th and Rural Indianapolis Indiana..............12 noon-7pm Entertainment, food, vendors, and fun!!


Join us this Sunday for a fully inclusive Indiana Black Pride Community Worship Service. August 9th 11am at Jesus Metropolitan Community Church 2950 E. 55th Place Indianapolis Indiana. This event will be followed by a FREE soul food brunch. Please bring a dish to share with the community!

http://www.indianablackpride.com/ for more details!!!