Title
Proclamation - Charlotte Black Pride Week & Charlotte Pride Week (Chair Jerrell)
Action
ACTION:
Adopt a proclamation proclaiming July 12 - 19, 2025 as Charlotte Black Pride Week and August 8 - 17, 2025 as Charlotte Pride Week
Commission Contact: Mark Jerrell, Chair
Presentation: Yes
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Mecklenburg County is home to a vibrant and diverse community, among which are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) citizens and residents. With Charlotte's first Pride events finally held in 1981 and the ensuing decades inspiring the creation of Charlotte Pride in 2000; and Charlotte Black Pride was founded in 2005 with the mission to promote LGBTQ pride primarily for, but not limited to, members of the Black community while building social awareness, embracing spirituality and celebrating the diversity that exists within our community. Each July, Black members of the LGBTQ community and their allies gather to celebrate the history, culture, achievements, aspirations, and dreams during Charlotte Black Pride Week and this year held their annual celebration “Black and Bold”. Community members joined together July 12 to July 19, and celebrated the history, culture, community, and triumphs of Black LGBTQ people across our region. This August, Charlotte Pride will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding and the 44th anniversary of the first Pride events in Mecklenburg County; and the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade is the largest LGBTQ community event in the American Southeast, second only to Atlanta, and the largest annual parade in Mecklenburg County, contributing millions of dollars in economic impact each year.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A