The annual Memphis Black Pride event celebrates its 21st anniversary this year with an appropriate theme — “Turnt Up.” The event kicks off Friday, June 19th and runs through Sunday, June 21st.
On Friday, there’s a meet-and-greet at the Holiday Inn Airport hotel at 2240 Democrat Road from 4 to 8 p.m. Guests can mingle with the weekend’s special guests and entertainers and pick up Memphis Black Pride swag.
Later that night beginning at 10 p.m., bounce-style hip-hop performer Big Freedia makes an appearance at the 21 Candles Foam & Glow Party at the Lipstix Entertainment Complex. It’s hosted by D Money and Blu from Bad Girl’s Club.
Saturday boasts a full day of activities starting with Ladybug’s Afternoon Tea from 10 a.m. to noon at the Holiday Inn Airport hotel. During the first half of tea, people are invited to share stories about relatives, partners, or friends who deserve recognition. In the second half, there’s a “no-holds-barred” panel discussion with LGBT adult film stars.
There’s a pool party at the hotel pool from 4 to 8 p.m. And there will be plenty of water balloons and water guns, sexy swimsuit and hot body contests, and music by DJ Hanz and Lady T.
At 10 p.m., at Lipstix, there’s a birthday bash with performances by Heavy Diva, Otis Mack, Coco LaBelle Thomas, and Mia X.
After all that partying, you can get some church in on Sunday with a special “Church Flow” service led by pastor Darnell Gooch at Cathedral of Praise at noon.
There’s a Pride in the Park event on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Chickasaw Heritage Park.
“The Unleashed Voice for the LGBTQ Community” KWAM 990 Talk Radio show will be hosting a live satellite show from the Holiday Inn Airport hotel from 5 to 7 p.m.
And the event closes out with a all-white farewell party hosted by Diamond from Sisterhood of the Hip-Hip at the Holiday Inn Airport hotel from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
