By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Back in April it was announced the first ever Global Black Pride – the world’s first and only Pride event dedicated to Black LGBTQ+ communities globally – was to be hosted in Atlanta. At the forefront of attracting a Pride celebration of this scale is Malik Brown, Director of LGBTQ Affairs for the City of Atlanta, and we caught up with him to talk all things Global Black Pride.
First, tell us how Atlanta became the location for the first-ever Global Black Pride celebration – and what was your part in this process?
As a lifelong Atlantan, the choice was clear to me. Atlanta is such a special place so many people, especially Black LGBTQ+ people. We had several meetings with the Global Black Pride organizers to make sure they knew that the City of Atlanta would be an ally in helping them put on this important convening.
There are some familiar pieces to this Pride celebration, like the Mayor’s reception and the Pure Heat Community Festival in Piedmont Park, but also a lot of new events. How will this Pride be different than a ‘regular’ Atlanta Black Pride?
I think of it as an elevated and international version of what’s historically done here. We are lucky to have several great organizations who produce events during Labor Day Weekend, including Atlanta Black Pride and the organizers of the Pure Heat Community Festival.
The folks who produce Global Black Pride are working hand in hand with familiar faces and organizers in ATL. This year is different in a lot of ways. There will be a weeklong Global Human Rights Conference, global performers in Piedmont Park, and an incredible line up of events and visitors. For the annual Mayor’s Black Pride Reception, we’ve adopted a global theme as well, it influences what folks will wear, as well as décor, food, and drinks.
Obviously, having an Atlanta Black Pride holds a lot of significance – what does it add to now have this become a global phenomenon?
There are a lot of cities that host some form of Black Pride across the world, but I’m so glad to see Global Black Pride continue to grow, and I can’t wait to see where it will go down the road. I’m a big fan of any Pride celebration that allows groups of people to celebrate their unique culture and norms in a safe and affirming space.
What do you think having the Global Black Pride here in Atlanta means for the city and in particular the Black LGBTQ+ community?
just think it further proves Atlanta’s special place in the world. It’s a place where people can come experience culture, innovation, and southern hospitality. I’m very excited to celebrate with fellow Black LGBTQ+ ATLiens, and our visitors.
What events are you excited about for Global Black Pride?
I’m excited for the Global Human Rights conference, particularly the Black LGBTQ+ Political Leaders roundtable that I’ll be moderating. Of course, I’m so excited about the 5th Annual Mayor’s Global Black Pride Reception. This is such a special event every year, but we’ve put a lot of magic into this one.
Are there any additional details you can reveal about the Pride celebration?
Be on the lookout for some very exciting visitors throughout the week. There are some pretty big names that I’m hearing my pop into Atlanta to celebrate with us.
