Written by Miko “Meak” Evans for Meak Productions, Inc. & History of Black Gay Atlanta.
This year’s Atlanta Black Gay Pride Celebration marks the 10th Anniversary of the Pure Heat Community Festival, known as the Signature Climax Event of Black Pride weekend by History of Black Gay Atlanta. This legendary festival is held annually on Sunday and draws thousands of people of color and allies to Piedmont Park to celebrate and fellowship.
Formally known as “Pride In The Park”, this festival was an evolutionary spin-off of the former originated by the Founders of Atlanta Black Gay Pride, In The Life Atlanta along with other legendary promoters and organizations as a way to officially end the black pride weekend with a cook-out, information tables, music and fellowship.
It wasn’t until 2002 that the crowd began to grow beyond capacity and park guidelines. The organizers were required to register for a park permit in following years and the name changed to the current brand to reflect a more evolved and organized event.
The Pure Heat brand name was originally created back during the early Millennium by inaugural 2021 Hall of Famers, Traxx Atlanta (Traxx Clubs International) as their signature for the annual black pride weekend. After Traxx Atlanta folded, the female spin-off Traxx Girls, founded by renowned celebrity DJ/Promoter/Entrepreneur Melissa Scott, continued the brand and made it a national renowned staple.
Along with Co-Partners, The Vision Community Foundation (official outreach subsidiary of The Vision Church – Bishop O.C. Allen, Senior Pastor) and iconic event promoters, RockStars Production, the annual festival has featured and honored some of the best in black entertainment/activism (both LGBTQ & Straight Allies) over the years, such as Brandy, Kelly Price, The Braxtons, Monica, DaBrat and many others.
This year, Hip-Hop Icon, Reality Star and Bisexual Artist, Joseline Hernandez will be the feature highlight of the Festival, along with special guest appearances by an array of Indie Artists, community activists and other celebrity guests. As always, various vendors from all business industries and event sponsors will be displayed for the attendees to network and enjoy. The 10th Anniversary of the Pure Heat Community Festival will take place Sunday, September 4th from 12 noon – 8 PM at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta.For more details, please visit: www.atlantaprideweekend.com
