NYC Black Pride is back — and it’s only just beginning.
Produced by 2019 Gay City News Impact Award winner Lee Lee Soulja-Simmons, the city’s annual celebration of the black and Latinx LGBTQ community commenced with a series of events during the week. The festivities are slated to continue throughout the weekend before wrapping up on Sunday with a “Pride at the Beach” event in Coney Island.
The wide-ranging events thus far have touched on a variety of themes ranging from music to dance and health. The fifth annual Black Pride Film Festival was held on Monday, August 12, ahead of the Tuesday evening opening night at The Monster. A “Health as a Human Right” panel discussion followed on Wednesday before a Thursday afternoon musical discussion dubbed “Songs for Marsha Again!”
Simmons told Gay City News on August 16 that the events, to this point, have been well attended and the organizers are anticipating strong crowds at upcoming festivities throughout the weekend.
“The energy has been amazing,” Simmons said. “All of these events have been above my expectations.”
Here are NYC Black Pride events on tap this weekend:
The 2019 Heritage Awards Ceremony on Friday, August 16 at 5 p.m.: Dozens of attendees will be recognized at this annual awrads event, which highlights the special achivements of LGBTQ people of color and allies. The show goes on until 10 p.m. at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library at 515 Malcom X Blvd. between W. 135th St. and W. 136th St. in Manhattan.
Glow Rooftop Party on Friday, August 17 at 11 p.m.: Kick off your weekend and prepare to dance at this rooftop venue featuring celebrity DJs “and other amazing surprises.” This party s at 760 Rooftop at 760 Eighth Ave. near 47th St. It’s free to get in before midnight!
The Heritage Ball V on Saturday, August 17 at 9 p.m.: This much-anticipated ball on Saturday night pays special tribute to the origins of ballroom culture dating back to 1842. The night will feature a handful of DJs, cash prizes, numerous categories, and much more. The free event is at the Gramercy Theatre at 127 East 23rd St. near Lexington Ave. and begins at 9 p.m. on August 17
Pride at the Beach on Sunday, August 18 at 12 p.m.: Don’t forget the grand finale! Spend the day at the beach in Coney Island and enjoy the fun-filled festivities on the boardwalk near W. 21st St. There will be vendor booths, live DJs, performances, and more — and it’s always a hit. The festivites are slated to carry on until 8 p.m.
To learn more information and find out about other events, visit nycbl
