Black Gay Pride Seeing Stars
This year’s Philadelphia Black Gay Pride (PBGP) is being treated to some star power thanks to a famous performance expected at the White Affair (April 30) at the Doubletree Hotel on Broad and Locust streets.
Performing this year is Carol Riddick, a native of South Philly who started out in the music business as a backup singer for DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (otherwise known at Willow’s dad). She’s since worked with many beloved artists and friends of the LGBT community, including Philly native Jill Scott.
“When you think of Philly’s storied music history and the many new artists continuing in that tradition,” says PBGP President Chris Alston, “Carol’s name is right up there at the top of the list.”
The fundraiser will also feature a fashion montage, says Alston, that will spotlight some of the community’s favorite designers set to a lively dance songbook honoring several decades of style. Proceeds of the White Affair benefit the PBGP’s new scholarship fund for LGBT youth.
Here’s a full list of events during this year’s PBGP:
April 24: Mr. & Miss Philadelphia Black Gay Pride Pageant (6-10 p.m.) at the Gershman Levitt Theater hosted by Raycine Pendarvis with free HIV testing.
April 25: COLOURS hosts a Town Hall Meeting (6 p.m.) at the JFK Building at 112 N. Broad St. to discuss violence in Philly’s LGBT community of color.
April 26: COLOURS hosts Sisters United (5:30 p.m.) at the JFK Building. The trans social event invites participants to dissolve barriers that exist between LGB and T members of the community.
April 27: The LGBT social – Remixed Fashion: Youth Roundup – takes place at the William Way (7-10 p.m.) with food, music and Ova Fashion (hosted by the Youth Ambassadors for Pride and Education Justice Coalition). Also check out happy hour at Apollinare (6-9 p.m.) with food and drink specials, and BYOB Bowling (10 p.m.-1 a.m.) at PEP Bowl at 1200 S. Broad St.
April 28: Philly’s finest spoken word poets will be at The 4th Annual One Night Stand Spoken Word and Poetry Slam at Marathon Grill at 1818 Market (7 p.m.) with free HIV testing.
April 29: Join the Opening Reception and Family Reunion (6-8 p.m.) at the Doubletree Hotel for live entertainment, a vendor marketplace, special guests with free HIV testing. From midnight to 6 a.m. the Doubletree also hosts Midnight Movie Madness.
April 30: A diverse group of leaders will present Educational Workshops (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Doubletree with free HIV testing. Then catch up with Speed Dating (4:30-6:30 p.m.) at the hotel to meet Mr. or Miss Right before the White Affair kicks off.
