NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Black Pride enters its 22nd annual celebration which continues through Oct. 27. According to Founder and President Dwyane Jenkins, the theme for this year’s festival is “runaway to freedom,” which symbolizes journey. The celebration will include entertainment, public health education and the awarding of student scholarships.
“I am excited along with our small and mighty board and planning team,” Jenkins said. “We are happy to embark on a wonderful celebration.”
Jenkins said many of the celebration’s past attendees have described the event as an opportunity to connect with others within their community. He said community connection has been consistently difficult for people since 2020 when the world experienced a lockdown due to COVID-19. The festive vibe and environment around Nashville Black Pride helps people get to know each other better.
Jenkins added that the celebration will feature the Brothers and Sisters United Legacy Award Dinner and Scholarship event at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel, located at 2025 Rosa Parks Boulevard, on Oct. 27, where five scholarships will be presented.
“We heard [from students] that many times it’s really hard to get through their semesters and years financially,” Jenkins said. “Being able to support Black and Brown students is really a big part of what we try to do withs student scholarship; and we give that money directly to the actual student.”
He said the event, presented by Nashville Cares, will also be honoring community members and organizations that have been working with and supporting Nashville Black Pride for a minimum of 10 years with Legacy’s plaques and “showing them some love,” to celebrate their decade-long contribution to the 22-year-old organization. Jenkins added that the performances of the weekend are powered by GLAAD.
Other events during the celebration include a Unity Market & Day Party Oct. 26, noon-4 p.m. at the Millenium Maxwell House, where different types of vendors will be features as well as free HIV and STI testing. Additionally, in the spirit of the Halloween season, Jenkins said Nashville Black Pride will be featuring their Runway to Freedom Costume Party, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., complete with live performances from GLAAD.
On Oct. 27, a MashUp Wholeness Project Brunch, 1-3:30 p.m., will be held just in time for the TEACollective Final Day Party, located at 1249 Martian Street, 4-10 p.m. Also, late-nighters looking to conclude their weekend with a relaxing event can attend Kickback Sundays at 407 Murfreesboro Pike, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Jenkins said before the festival officially begins, he and his team will be doing campus work at Fisk University supporting Out Loud, a group focused on supporting LGBTQ+ people and allyship. He said that night at Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, Nashville Black Pride will be co-hosting “Same Sex in the Bible,” with New Wines Skins Fellowship and Mass Shop, 7-9 p.m. For more information on events, visit nashvilleblackpride.org.
