When We Gather, We Get Stronger
Richmond, Virginia · July 17–19, 2024
The People in the Room
For three days in Richmond, the people who keep Black Pride alive across this country sat in one room— and remembered they are not doing this work alone.
54 Leaders convened activists, advocates & organizers
28 States + the UK a truly national network
38 Prides represented from major metros to small cities
Ages 28 to 69 — seasoned elders and the next generation, learning from one another in real time. When asked why they came, the answer was clear and human: they wanted to connect.
Why This Gathering Matters
Across the country, Black Pride is often held together by a handful of people working with too few resources and too little rest.
They organize festivals that draw thousands. They run health programs that save lives. They hold space for Black queer joy in cities where that joy is still contested — and too often, they do it in isolation.
The Summit exists to break that isolation — equipping Black Pride activists with the skills, relationships, and resources to keep their celebrations alive.
This report tells the story of what happened in Richmond.
The numbers are strong.
But the real measure is this: every single leader who came told us they would come back.
Every Goal — Met or Exceeded
We set four goals for the Summit. We delivered on all of them. Recruit at least 40 activists & advocates 54 leaders EXCEEDED
What Leaders Took Home
left with concrete tools & resources
called the topics highly relevant to their work 1 in 4 named Mental Health & Self-Care the top session
Sessions that met the moment
Mental Health & Self-Care — tending to the people behind the work
Civic Engagement & Pride in the Polls mobilizing community ahead of a pivotal election
Hidden Agendas — guarding against extractive funders & “pop-up” partners
Liaisons & National Awareness Days building lasting bridges to funders & partners
Connections That Outlasted the Weekend
The Summit was never meant to end on Sunday. Leaders were grouped by region to trade resources and surface sponsorship leads — and every Pride left with at least one new connection.
of members engaged the Black Pride Network Forum Still growing
leaders keep trading resources & backing each other's events
The room in Richmond became a network that doesn't close.
Where Leaders Want to Go Next
Leaders didn't just celebrate — they told us how to grow. Their guidance is shaping the Summits to come.
Funding & Grant
Writing turning passion into sustainable budgets
Marketing & Partnerships
growing visibility and reach
Sponsor Letters & Manuals hands-on templates they can adapt at home
Trans Solidarity & Care
deepening collective support
This Is Where You Come In
Your support doesn't fund an event. It funds a network. The elder in a small Southern city who finally has peers to call The new organizer who leaves with a budget instead of just a dream The festival that survives another year because its leader wasn't alone Stand with the leaders of Black Pride. Partner with the Center for
