By Kimberly Jones, President of the Black Pride Society
As President of the Black Pride Society, producers of the Midwest's oldest black LGBT pride celebration, Detroit's Hotter Than July, I have to question the motivation behind Equality Michigan and the planning committee of Motor City Pride as they made the announcement regarding the move from Ferndale to Detroit's Hart Plaza. I question its motives because this decision took most area leaders by surprise with many being concerned. I too am concerned about what this means for both pride celebrations especially the pride celebration whose roots have been embedded into Detroit's history: Hotter Than July.
Detroit's Hotter Than July was founded in 1996, feeding the need of the African American LGBT community for self-identity. This black pride celebration mimicked our own cultural celebrations, replicating the Kwanzaa celebration and nurturing our community through the celebration of black culture, self-identity and empowerment. Nationally, there are over thirty official black pride celebrations supported by the International Federation of Black Prides http://www.IFBPrides.org. BPS is a proud charter member and each of these independent organizations is purposed with empowering the voice of African American LGBT people across the country.
Building bridges has always been a core value of BPS, providing us the opportunity to strengthen relationships with LGBT and ally constituents across the region. We have maintained solid relationships with groups such as Affirmations, Ruth Ellis Center, Michigan AIDS Coalition, and Equality Michigan; so, imagine our surprise when the announcement was made that Motor City Pride was moving to downtown Detroit's Hart Plaza. It's unfortunate that the leaders of Equality Michigan chose not to reach out to us before the announcement. It lacked the transparency that Equality Michigan claims as one of its core values. The necessary outreach did not occur and do they even care?
As stewards of Detroit's Hotter Than July and in the interest of African American LGBT people in the region, we have many questions and concerns. This decision impacts not just the dynamic between the region's two pride celebrations; it places us on the defense with our sponsors to justify the community's need for two separate pride celebrations. So, what's the real motivation for this change in venue? Why were so many stakeholders left in the dark? Is Equality Michigan sensitive to issues concerning people of color in the region? Is Equality Michigan a genuine ally in improving the quality of life for African American LGBT people in Detroit?
In 2011, Hotter than July turns sixteen and it's easy to think we would have little concern with Motor City Pride moving to Detroit. Unfortunately, the lack of forethought and consideration of the announcement has created confusion and BPS has been fielding these concerns through both telephone and e-mail contacts. Many believe that Hotter Than July has made a major change, though we would never make such a move without our community's input. The community is our lifeblood and purpose.
BPS and our supporters strongly believe that Hotter Than July should remain independently focused on the interest of African American LGBT's in southeast Michigan. We look forward to the opportunity to have this discussion with the organizers of Motor City Pride. We believe it benefits our entire community when leaders and organizers of both prides work together. We are open to rebuilding these bridges so we can all advance equality for all LGBT Michiganders.
This year, BPS will launch "In Our Own Image," a campaign to promote positive images of the city's African American LGBT community and preliminary planning for Hotter Than July has already begun. As we continue our efforts to celebrate and uplift our community we look forward to the community's continued support with all that we do and look forward to seeing you showing your PRIDE.
