DC Black Pride Guide 2023

PRIDE GUIDE

May 26–29

Washington, DC

The MoTher To Son

initiative showcases the delicate vulnerability of the relationship between a mother and her son, and seeks to highlight this network of support and the importance of it for Black and Latinx gay/bisexual and queer men.

Learn more about ViiV Healthcare’s commitment to getting men connected, engaged, and retained in HIV care.

4 MAYORAL PROCLAMATION 5 WELCOME 6 SPONSORS 7 USEFUL INFORMATION 11 PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS & VENDORS 13 SATURDAY WORKSHOPS 16 SCHEDULE 24 RENAISSANCE FLOOR PLAN

On behalf of the entire Center for Black Equity organization, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome as we gather to celebrate DC Black Pride 2023. It is a joyous occasion that brings together a vibrant community, united by our shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs.

This year, our theme is Know Your Past, Live Your Present, and Fight for Your Future. In the face of ongoing challenges and adversity, we believe it is essential to recognize the significance of our history, embrace the power of the present moment, and actively work towards a brighter future for all. The theme is particularly relevant given the current landscape of anti-LGBT and anti-Black movements that persist in our society. We acknowledge the importance of understanding our past, recognizing the struggles faced by those who came before us, and learning from their courage and resilience. It is through this knowledge that we are empowered to confront and overcome the obstacles that continue to impede our progress.

Living our present means celebrating who we are and embracing our identities with pride. It means standing tall and demanding the respect, equality, and love that each and every one of us deserves. In a world that too often tries to silence and marginalize us, DC Black Pride is a space where we can be unapologetically ourselves, supporting and uplifting one another in our collective journey towards self-acceptance and selflove.

But our celebration does not end with the present. We must also look to the future and actively fight for the rights and opportunities that are rightfully ours. We must join forces to dismantle the systems of oppression and discrimination that hinder our progress. DC Black Pride is a call to action, a call to mobilize our voices and resources in pursuit of a future where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or race, can thrive in a society that values and respects them fully.

In these times of celebration and reflection, it is crucial that we prioritize safety. We encourage everyone to take necessary precautions, both in terms of physical health and emotional well-being. Look out for one another, be mindful of your surroundings, and remember that your safety is of utmost importance to us.

Finally, I urge you all to explore and participate in the incredible array of official DC Black Pride events taking place. Each event has been carefully crafted to provide opportunities for education, empowerment, and connection. From enlightening panel discussions to inspiring performances and vibrant parties, there is something for everyone to enjoy and engage with.

Once again, welcome to DC Black Pride 2023! Let us celebrate, embrace our history, live our present truth, and unite in the fight for a future that honors and uplifts every member of our community. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to make strides towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

In solidarity and with much love,

Kenya Garçon Hutton Deputy Director, Center for Black Equity

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SOLIDARITY EQUALITY UNITY

STRENGTH COMMUNITY EQUITY PREMIER GRAND

PRIDE HELP DESK

Have questions? Need help? Come to the ballroom level in the Renaissance (host hotel) to get answers.

Friday, May 26: 2 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 27: 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

ASL INTERPRETING

ASL interpreting will be available for many of the events in the Renaissance (host hotel) including all of the Saturday workshops.

HEALTH & WELLNESS PAVILION

The DCBP Health & Wellness Pavilion, sponsored by DC Health, will feature a wide range complimentary services. Services include:

• HIV Testing. On the spot and take home tests can be delivered to those in host hotel.

• Mpox Vaccine

• Immediate Doxy PEP

• Massages

• Mini Facials

• Vitals Signs Measurements (body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure)

• Full Panel STI Screening

The Health & Wellness Pavilion will be open around clock from Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28 on the Meeting Room Level.

OVERDOSE PREVENTION KITS

Overdose prevention kits, including Naloxone, Fentanyl strips and more, will be available all weekend at the host hotel. Kits are made available by the Capital Ballroom Council.

BE SOCIAL

Share your DC Black Pride experience using the hashtags #DCBlackPride2023 #DCBP2023 #DCBP23. Tag and mention:

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dcblkpride dcblackpride dcblackpride

DISCLAIMERS

The sexual orientation or gender identity of attendees, advertisers, presenters and sponsors that participate in DC Black Pride is neither inferred nor implied.

The appearance of names or pictorial representation of individuals in this guide does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of such individual.

DC Black Pride is supported by many advertisers and the Center for Black Equity cannot take responsibility for any claims made by sponsors and advertisers.

There may be event photographers or videographers present at all DC Black Pride events. Any persons attending events consent to have their photo taken and their likeness used by the Center for Black Equity for promotional purposes.

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All who have come to visit the Nation’s Capital for the 2023 DC Black Pride. DC Health welcomes Have fun and please be safe! Stop by our DC Health Popup Station in the Health and Wellness Pavilion on the Meeting Room Level. Free Support, Testing, Mpox and COVID vaccines are available. FUN, GAMES, RESOURCES, and GIVEAWAYS!! Find yourself in a situation?

The following organizations will participate in The Rainbow Row: Organization & Vendor Expo

AARP

ACLU-DC

Ada Developers Academy

AHF

Art of Ksrice

Artwork by Jaleel

Beta Gamma Chi Fraternity, Inc.

Beta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc.

Black AIDS Institute

Blk Alchemy

Booz Allen

Cage Bird

Capitol Ballroom Council

Community of Hope

Damien Ministries

DC Center

DC Health

DC LGBTQ Shelter

DC Office of Human Rights

DC Strokes Rowing Club

Dendrobia

Dimples Designs

Fab N Thingz

Fields Originals

Frederick Benjamin Grooming

Freestate Justice

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington

Gilead Sciences

Human Rights Campaign

Impulse Group Washington, DC

Jack’d

Kappa Alpha Iota Sorority, Inc.

Khadijah Jahmila Fine Art

King Dude The Artist

LGBT Budget Coalition

Making U Fierce

Medical Transportation Management Inc.

Metro Health Inc.

Mosaic Theater Company of DC

Motherland Bliss

Network For Victim Recovery

Night Dreams

NMAC

No Labeled Society/ The Sneaker

Realtor

ONYX

Path To Peace Life Coaching

Planned Parenthood

Please By Her

Pridenet

Rainbow History Project

S.R Cooper Productions

Safe Bars

Seabury Resources For Aging

Serene Births

Sista’s Bridging The Gap

SMYAL

Swerv Magazine

True Chronicles

Tunita James

University of Baltimore

Us Helping Us, People Into Living Inc.

Verizon

VIDA Fitness

ViiV Healthcare

Wanda Alston Project

Whitman-Walker Health

Zacks Customs

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GILEAD IS

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DC

ASL interpreters will be provided for all workshops.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lez Talk About It

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom B

Join us for an insightful and engaging session exploring hot topics like relationships, respectability politics, dating, sex and more—all from the perspective of lesbian womxn.

We’ll be featuring a panel, facilitated discussion and fun activities to help us navigate the good, bad, ugly and exciting aspects of being lesbian womxn in 2023.

This is a space designed specifically for Lesbian people but open to all.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Moves Tank | Exploring What the Body Holds and How to Use them in Black and Brown Spaces

Renaissance, Rock Creek Salon A

An opportunity for young people who identify as Black or Brown to come together and discuss important issues surrounding their bodies and how they can use them to create change. Hosted by Athen White from SMYAL.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Pots, Pans and Pronouns

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom A

A discussion on the importance of pronouns and how understanding them can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ONYX

University

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom C

Join us for a discussion exploring all things kink and BDSM, and witness live demonstrations that will leave you wanting more. Whether you are new to the scene or a seasoned pro, there is something for everyone at Onyx University. Do not miss out on this unique and educational experience. Hosted by ONYX Mid-Atlantic President Kudjo Onyx.

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1 p.m.

Faith in Blackness Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion

Renaissance, Potomac Salon II

How do we explore the uniqueness of Afro & Latinx Spirituality? How can we center the Black and Latinx experience and allow those to help us understand spirituality and theology? What can we learn from the lived experiences of Afro & Latinx communities and their relationship to their spiritual practices?

Join us for a viewing of “Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of Afro & Latinx Spirituality,” a short-form documentary, that highlights the lived experiences of Afro & Latinx’s of different faith traditions by sharing their stories and how their Blackness plays a role in their spirituality and vice-versa. This documentary showcases the individual lived experiences of Afro & Latinx’s and their engagement to their faith and spiritual traditions.

A panel discussion with the producers and other Black and Latinx faith leaders will follow.

1 – 2:30 p.m.

PrEP for Pride

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom A

A transformative discussion on Descovy for PrEP. Explore the future of HIV prevention and how Descovy can empower our community. Presented by Gilead Sciences, Inc.

1 – 2:30 p.m.

Resources for LGBTQIA+ Veterans

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom B

Learn about resources available to LGBTQIA+ veterans.

1 – 2:30 p.m.

Trans Town Hall

Renaissance, Potomac Salon I

Hosted by Savanna Wanzer with keynote speaker Miss Black America Syria St. Clair.

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Black Pride

DC Lottery is proud to partner with Us Helping Us, People Into Living in Celebration of DC Black Pride. For more than 30 years, DC Black Pride has been a place for the Black LGBTQIA+ community to gather and celebrate each other. DC Black Pride was the catalyst for what is now referred to as the Black Pride Movement. Since the birth of DC Black Pride more than thirty other Black Pride celebrations now take place throughout the world. DC Lottery celebrates your milestones and accomplishments over the past 30 years and our valued partnership. #DCBlackPride

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All scheduled events and locations are subject to change. All events being held in the Renaissance (host hotel) are complimentary unless otherwise noted.

Social Events and Parties

CBE has partnered with several organizations to provide various social events and parties. The social events and parties are planned and managed by the organization listed. If an event, social event or party is not listed on this schedule, it is not an official DC Black Pride event. Partner organizations are:

Women

• A 2 Zee Events, MIM Entertainment and Onyx Entertainment: Unleashed DC Black Pride 2023

• TMS Entertainment and Party with Honey: SHE•SinCZRD

Men

• Daryl Wilson Promotions, LLC: Wet Dreamz

• Day in the District: DITD DC Black Pride 2023

• Xavier Entertainment: Supreme Fantasy

All

• Project Briggs, Inc.: Pride by The River

THURSDAY, MAY 25

5 – 10 p.m.

Welcome to DC Happy Hour

metrobar, 5640 Rhode Island Ave NE, WDC 20002

Presented by Us Helping Us, People Into Living and Impulse Group DC

5 – 10 p.m.

Welcome to DC Black Pride Happy Hour (Unleashed DC Black Pride 2023)

Decades DC (rooftop), 1219

Connecticut Ave NW, WDC 20036

7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

4th Annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball. . .PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

Renaissance, Rock Creek Ballroom

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Sin City Kickoff (SHE•SinCZRD)

metrobar, 640 Rhode Island Ave NE, WDC 20002

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

The Pride Kickoff Party & Pass Distribution (Supreme Fantasy)

Nellie’s Sports Bar, 900 U St NW, WDC 20001

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10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

The Jump Off (Wet Dreamz)

The Ugly Mug, 723 8th St SE, WDC 20003

FRIDAY, MAY 26

2 – 9 p.m.

Pride Help Desk Open

Renaissance, Ballroom Level

3 – 9 p.m.

Wet Dreamz Welcome Reception (Wet Dreamz)

Renaissance

5 – 8 p.m.

Pass Distribution (Supreme Fantasy)

Renaissance

5 – 9 p.m.

Rainbow Row: Organization & Vendor Expo

Renaissance, Ballroom Level

5 – 10 p.m.

All Black Party (Unleashed DC Black Pride 2023)

KOI, 1413 K St NW WDC 20005

6 – 9 p.m.

DC Black Pride Opening Reception

Talent Showcase

Renaissance, Potomac Ballroom

10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

UNDR GRND x DC Black Pride Vol.

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Public Bar Live, 1214 18th St NW, WDC 20036

10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Kickoff Party (DITD DC Black Pride 2023)

Living Room DC, 1008 Vermont Ave NW, WDC 20005

10 p.m. – 4 a.m.

Play DC (SHE•SinCZRD)

Play DC Lounge, 1541 7th St NW, WDC 20001

10 p.m. – 4 a.m.

3,000 Men Block Party (Wet Dreamz & Supreme Fantasy)

Karma DC, 2221 Adams Pl NE, WDC 20018

SATURDAY, MAY 27

9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Pride Help Desk Open

Renaissance, Ballroom Level

10 a.m.

PRIDEFIT: Hip Hop Dance with Gabriel for Black Pride

Howard Theatre, 620 T St NW, WDC 20001

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Rainbow Row: Organization & Vendor Expo

Renaissance, Ballroom Level

11 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

Workshop: Lez Talk About It

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom B

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Workshop: Moves Tank | Exploring What the Body Holds and How to Use them in Black and Brown Spaces

Renaissance, Rock Creek Salon A

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H I V / H C V T E S T I N G N U T R I T I O N S E R V I C E S C A S E M G T C H E C K U S O U T @ D A M I E N M I N I S T R I E S O N A L L S O C I A L M E D I A P L A T F O R M S 2 2 0 0 R H O D E I S L A N D A V E N E W D C , 2 0 0 0 1 8 2 0 2 . 5 2 6 . 3 0 2 0

D C B L A C K P R I D E 2 0 2 3

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Workshop: Pots, Pans and Pronouns

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom A

11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Workshop: ONYX University

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom C

12 – 2 p.m.

Writers Forum

Renaissance, Potomac Salon III

1 p.m.

Workshop: Faith in Blackness Panel

Discussion

Renaissance, Potomac Salon II

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Workshop: PrEP for Pride

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom A

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Workshop: Resources for LGBTQIA+ Veterans

Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom B

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Workshop: Trans Town Hall

Renaissance, Potomac Salon I

1 – 4 p.m. (boarding 12:15 p.m.)

For the Culture Brunch Cruise

580 Water Street SW, WDC 20024

Presented by Us Helping Us, People Into Living.

3 – 6 p.m.

An Homage to The Clubhouse

Renaissance, Rock Creek Ballroom

3 – 8:30 p.m.

Candyland (Unleashed DC)

Karma DC, 2221 Adams Pl NE, WDC 20018

4 – 9 p.m.

Posh Day Party (Wet Dreamz)

REPUBLIQ (formerly BLISS), 2122 24th Pl NE, WDC 20018

5 – 9 p.m.

Pride Cookout Party (Supreme Fantasy)

Aqua, 1818 New York Ave NE, WDC 20002

5 – 9:30 p.m.

Rated R Day Party (SHE•SinCZRD)

Focus Social Club, 1348 H St NE, WDC 20002

6 – 9 p.m.

DC Black Pride Mary Bowman

Poetry Slam

Renaissance, Potomac Salon II

4 – 10 p.m.

Thee Ultimate Day Party (DITD DC Black Pride 2023)

THRoW Social DC, 1401 Okie St NE STE #102, WDC 20002

9 p.m. – 3 a.m.

District Vice (Unleashed DC)

REPUBLIQ (formerly BLISS), 2122 24th Pl NE, WDC 20018

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

The White Diamond All White Party (Wet Dreamz)

Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE, WDC 20018

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10 p.m. – 4 a.m.

The Main Event (SHE•SinCZRD)

Power Nightclub, 2335 Bladensburg

Rd NE, WDC 20018

10 p.m. – 4 a.m.

5,000 Men Meatloaf After Dark Super Party (Supreme Fantasy)

REPUBLIQ (formerly BLISS), 2122 24th Pl NE, WDC 20018

SUNDAY, MAY 28

11:30 a.m.

DC Black Pride Faith Service

The Community Church of Washington, DC United Church of Christ, 5201 Ames St NE, WDC 20019

12 – 4 p.m.

(seating 11 a.m. show 12 - 3 p.m.)

Brunch & Babes: 2nd Annual DC

Black Pride Iconic Drag Brunch

Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave NW, WDC 20010

Hosted by Capital Ballroom Council.

12 – 4 p.m.

Oh She Lit! Brunch (SHE•SinCZRD)

Bulldogs DC, 713 H St NW, WDC 20001

12 – 8 p.m.

Pride By the River Super Sunday at Anacostia Park

Anacostia Park (near Roller Skating

Pavillion), 1500 Anacostia Drive, WDC 20020

3:30 – 6 p.m.

DMV Black Pride Gospel Explosion 23

The Community Church of Washington, DC United Church of Christ, 5201 Ames St NE, WDC 20019

4 – 10 p.m.

The Finale Rooftop Day Party (Unleashed DC)

Twelve After Twelve, 1212 18th St NW, WDC 20036

4 – 11 p.m.

Wet Dreamz Mega Day Party (Wet Dreamz)

The Bullpen @ Nats Stadium, 1201 Half St SE, WDC 20003

5 – 11 p.m.

We On the Roof (SHE•SinCZRD)

Space DC Restaurant & Lounge, 1355 U St NW, WDC 20009

5 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Sunday Funday Rooftop Party (Supreme Fantasy)

Nellie’s Sports Bar, 900 U St NW, WDC 20001

10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Sunday Night @ Sax (DITD DC Black Pride 2023)

Sax Theater & Lounge, 734 11th St NW, WDC 20001

10 p.m. – 4 a.m.

Pride Super Party (Wet Dreamz)

The Park at 14th, 920 14th St NW, WDC 20005

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11 p.m. – 4 a.m.

The Pride Sunday Night Man Hunt

Rooftop Party (Supreme Fantasy)

Space DC Restaurant & Lounge, 1355

U St NW, WDC 20009

MONDAY, MAY 29

12 – 7 p.m.

Pride In The Park

Fort Dupont Park, Minnesota Ave SE, WDC 20019

4 – 10 p.m.

Penthouse Day Party (DITD DC Black Pride 2023)

12 Stories, 75 District Square SW

#12th floor, WDC 20024

8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

The Finale (Wet Dreamz)

The Ugly Mug, 723 8th St SE, WDC 20003

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Pride Close Out Rooftop Party (Supreme Fantasy)

Public Bar Live, 1214 18th St NW, WDC 20036

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