City Council approves resolution declaring August as Black Pride Month in NYC
In recognition of the annual NYC Black Pride festivities held every August, city lawmakers approved a resolution on Sept. 24 designating the month of August as Black Pride Month in New York City. “The Council of the City of New York declares the month of August as Black Pride Month in the City of New … Read More
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In recognition of the annual NYC Black Pride festivities held every August, city lawmakers approved a resolution on Sept. 24 designating the month of August as Black Pride Month in New York City.
"The Council of the City of New York declares the month of August as Black Pride Month in the City of New York, recognizing the legacy of the NYC Black Pride movement of uplifting the Black LGBTQIA+ community and its continuing contributions to creating a more equitable New York City," stated the resolution, which was introduced by Bronx Councilmember Althea Stevens and supported by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. On the same day, city lawmakers also approved Stevens' resolution to declare September as African Immigrant Heritage Month in New Yrok City.
The Black Pride resolution was passed just one month after New Yorkers gathered for the 29th annual edition of NYC Black Pride, which is led by Lee Soulja-Simmons, who has been the main organizer of NYC Black Pride for the last 17 years. Soulja-Simmons praised the resolution in an interview with Gay City News.
"It's an amazing recognition of Black Pride and the contributions of Black and Brown people to society at large, and to our LGBTQ history," Soulja-Simmons told Gay City News. "And next year will be the 30th anniversary of Black Pride in New York."
Every year, Soulja-Simmons spearheads a week-long slate of festivities for NYC Black Pride, which includes the Mr. and Miss Black Pride International pageant, a health conference, and several other notable events. In the past, NYC Black Pride has hosted beach days in Coney Island, block parties in Harlem, and more.
[caption id="attachment_64722" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Empress Vizcaya and Kendoll Keante were crowned Mr. and Miss Black Pride International at this year's fifth annual pageant as part of the 29th annual edition of NYC Black Pride.ET Rodriguez[/caption]
Soulja-Simmons added: "This goes to a lot of the work we have been doing to uplift the achievements of Black and Brown LGBTQ people to speak about ballroom history, and to include that into the fabric of American history, to talk about the Harlem renaissance, to talk about so many things we contribute to society that are often not included when talking about history. I think this is also a step towards making sure we are also part of the conversation when they do open the American LGBTQ+ Museum at the New York Historical, and make sure it is inclusive of everyone."
[caption id="attachment_58629" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
The crowd at New York City Black Pride's block party at W. 127th St. in Harlem on Aug. 17, 2025.Matt Tracy[/caption]
Stevens also welcomed the passage of both resolutions. The vote breakdown for each resolution was not available as of Sept. 25.
“Legislation is about more than what we put on paper; it is about who and what we choose to recognize, honor, and lift up as part of the story of New York City," Stevens said in a written statement. "These two resolutions ensure that Black LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers and African immigrant communities have their histories, cultures, and contributions formally recognized. By establishing Black Pride Month and African Immigrant Heritage Month, we are affirming that these communities are an essential part of our city’s past, present, and future."
The resolution was co-sponsored by out lawmakers Chi Ossé and Crystal Hudson of Brooklyn and Tiffany Cabán of Queens, as well as Councilmembers Gale Brewer and Harvey Epstein of Manhattan, Shahana Hanif and Alexa Aviles of Brooklyn, Selvena Brooks-Powers and Nantasha Williams of Queens, Amanda Farías and Shirley Aldebol of the Bronx.
"These resolutions represent our commitment to ensuring every resident, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or gender identity, in our borough feels seen, heard, represented, and celebrated," Gibson said in a written statement. "Declaring August as Black Pride Month and September as African Heritage Month is long overdue for communities that have played a pivotal role in shaping our city's history and continue to contribute to our growth and success. I am proud that, despite attempts from this White House administration to divide us, New York City continues to stand firm in its dedication to embracing and uplifting our diversity."
Sean Ebony Coleman, who leads the LGBTQ organization Destination Tomorrow, also celebrated the resolution and underscored the importance of recognizing the Black LGBTQ community in the Bronx.
"With our main office located in the heart of the South Bronx, we understand how important it is to recognize and celebrate the diverse LGBTQ community members who call the Bronx home. This declaration creates a new opportunity to celebrate the Black LGBTQ experience in the Bronx, while also recognizing that this decision comes at a time when the federal government is challenging the rights and identities of members of our community."
Empress Vizcaya and Kendoll Keante were crowned Mr. and Miss Black Pride International at this year's fifth annual pageant as part of the 29th annual edition of NYC Black Pride.ET Rodriguez[/caption]
Soulja-Simmons added: "This goes to a lot of the work we have been doing to uplift the achievements of Black and Brown LGBTQ people to speak about ballroom history, and to include that into the fabric of American history, to talk about the Harlem renaissance, to talk about so many things we contribute to society that are often not included when talking about history. I think this is also a step towards making sure we are also part of the conversation when they do open the American LGBTQ+ Museum at the New York Historical, and make sure it is inclusive of everyone."
[caption id="attachment_58629" align="aligncenter" width="700"] The crowd at New York City Black Pride's block party at W. 127th St. in Harlem on Aug. 17, 2025.Matt Tracy[/caption]
Stevens also welcomed the passage of both resolutions. The vote breakdown for each resolution was not available as of Sept. 25.
“Legislation is about more than what we put on paper; it is about who and what we choose to recognize, honor, and lift up as part of the story of New York City," Stevens said in a written statement. "These two resolutions ensure that Black LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers and African immigrant communities have their histories, cultures, and contributions formally recognized. By establishing Black Pride Month and African Immigrant Heritage Month, we are affirming that these communities are an essential part of our city’s past, present, and future."
The resolution was co-sponsored by out lawmakers Chi Ossé and Crystal Hudson of Brooklyn and Tiffany Cabán of Queens, as well as Councilmembers Gale Brewer and Harvey Epstein of Manhattan, Shahana Hanif and Alexa Aviles of Brooklyn, Selvena Brooks-Powers and Nantasha Williams of Queens, Amanda Farías and Shirley Aldebol of the Bronx.
"These resolutions represent our commitment to ensuring every resident, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or gender identity, in our borough feels seen, heard, represented, and celebrated," Gibson said in a written statement. "Declaring August as Black Pride Month and September as African Heritage Month is long overdue for communities that have played a pivotal role in shaping our city's history and continue to contribute to our growth and success. I am proud that, despite attempts from this White House administration to divide us, New York City continues to stand firm in its dedication to embracing and uplifting our diversity."
Sean Ebony Coleman, who leads the LGBTQ organization Destination Tomorrow, also celebrated the resolution and underscored the importance of recognizing the Black LGBTQ community in the Bronx.
"With our main office located in the heart of the South Bronx, we understand how important it is to recognize and celebrate the diverse LGBTQ community members who call the Bronx home. This declaration creates a new opportunity to celebrate the Black LGBTQ experience in the Bronx, while also recognizing that this decision comes at a time when the federal government is challenging the rights and identities of members of our community." 
