A merger of Chicago Black Prides will combine Chicago Windy City Black Pride, Windy City Black Pride and United Black Pride
Collectively, the two organizations produced more than 20 years of Black Pride Week activities in Chicago. The two organizations will now dissolve as a result of the merger, and United Black Pride (UBP) will continue to honor the legacy of Black Pride Week and the history of the Black LGBT experience in Chicago.
Jesse Hinton, who formerly led Chicago Windy City Black Pride, will serve as president of the newly formed United Black Pride organization. Hinton said, "The annual Black Pride tradition represents a unique opportunity when we can come together as a family to celebrate our unique experience and appreciate the diversity of our community. We are excited to join forces as a single, collective body to honor our tradition and embrace a new future."
Nikki Sarver, from the Windy City Black Pride organization, stated, "We are excited about working together in one organization and embarking upon a new direction through unity."
UBP is already developing upcoming major events. A gala, "The Colors are Red & Pink," will be in recognition of HIV/AIDS and breast cancer awareness in the Black LGBT community. The colors red and pink also serve to acknowledge the new organization's strong support in the fight for Illinois marriage equality with the creation of the "The Tied Together" emblem. Tied Together- Equal Rights= Human Rights=Civil Rights.
The annual Chicago Black Pride will continue to engage the community in a variety of activities from health literacy, public policy, cultural tradition, and performing arts through workshops and social events.
Website: www.UBPride.com .