Charlotte Black Gay Pride timeline and ephemera

In 2002, plans to host a Black Gay Pride event in Charlotte, North Carolina came to life. Spearheaded by Damon Blackman, owner of Dman Productions and Jermaine Nakia Lee, a talented artist and promoter; the inception of Charlotte's Black Gay Pride event began at Organik Funk. Recognizing the value of mentoring, networking and needed resources, Blackman connected with the International Federation of Black Prides in Washington DC, while Nakia Lee began working on funding and programming. Together Blackman (Chair) and Nakia Lee (Co-chair) – formed the first official CNCBGP board. This board consisted of Lynkoya Handy (Treasurer) and community activist Monica Simpson (Secretary). Together they worked diligently to present and host Charlottes First Black Gay Pride Celebration in 2005. Driven by the event's established purpose to empower and strengthen the visibility of LGBT people of the African Diaspora in the Charlotte Community, the event drew a record-breaking 7000+ attendees. The 2005 theme was "A New Day". In 2008, Charlotte NC Black Gay Pride set out to refocus its purpose, mission, and vision. Charlotte NC Black Gay Pride (CNCBGP) became Charlotte Black Gay Pride (CBGP) in August of 2008 with 501C3 non-profit status.

Source: "Our History," Charlotte Black Gay Pride (Website), accessed 2014 August 8, http://www.charlotteblackgaypride.com/#!about/c24vq.