March, equality speeches end black gay pride
http://www.gbmnews.com/articles/1370/1/March-equality-speeches-end-black-gay-pride/Page1.html
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Published on 09/4/2007
by S.A. REID
A parade and rally helped wrap up a weekend of events at this year's Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebration.
Some 50 marchers made the trek from the King Center to the state Capitol as a show of unity and to call attention to their issues and concerns.
The parade, organizers said, also helps put a face on African-American gays, lesbians and those of transgender and transsexual orientation.
"People are here, and they are proud of who they are," said Zandra Conway, an In the Life Atlanta board member whose group organized the parade. "It gives us a chance to show people what's happening with us."
March, equality speeches end black gay pride
by S.A. REID
A parade and rally helped wrap up a weekend of events at this year's Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebration.
Some 50 marchers made the trek from the King Center to the state Capitol as a show of unity and to call attention to their issues and concerns.
The parade, organizers said, also helps put a face on African-American gays, lesbians and those of transgender and transsexual orientation.
"People are here, and they are proud of who they are," said Zandra Conway, an In the Life Atlanta board member whose group organized the parade. "It gives us a chance to show people what's happening with us."
Punctuated with songs from the civil rights movement, the march culminated with a rally at the Capitol steps.
Terence McPhaul of National AIDS Education and Services for Minorities Inc. reminded marchers that "nothing will be done unless our voices are heard."
Bryan Edney, founder of Covenant Empowerment Ministries, urged them to return to their cities, homes churches and families "open, affirmed and self-proud."
Lillie Morehead, 25, of Gainesville, Fla., said she was drawn to the march for its message of empowerment and equal rights.
"The meaning behind it is very important," Morehead said. "It's been something we have been fighting for a while."
The small turnout concerned Fareed Covington of Adel.
"We are always saying we're proud people, but we won't stand up for our rights, and the rights we should have," said Covington. "I wish there were more brothers and sisters here."
The march and rally was one in slew of events held during the five-day celebration that began Wednesday. About 40,000 attended last year, Conway said.
Atlanta Black Gay Pride Weekend, hosted by In the Life Atlanta, is considered one of the largest celebrations of its kind.
Photos by: Elissa Eubanks
Bounce back
A parade and rally helped wrap up a weekend of events at this year's Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebration.
Some 50 marchers made the trek from the King Center to the state Capitol as a show of unity and to call attention to their issues and concerns.
The parade, organizers said, also helps put a face on African-American gays, lesbians and those of transgender and transsexual orientation.
"People are here, and they are proud of who they are," said Zandra Conway, an In the Life Atlanta board member whose group organized the parade. "It gives us a chance to show people what's happening with us."
Punctuated with songs from the civil rights movement, the march culminated with a rally at the Capitol steps.
Terence McPhaul of National AIDS Education and Services for Minorities Inc. reminded marchers that "nothing will be done unless our voices are heard."
Bryan Edney, founder of Covenant Empowerment Ministries, urged them to return to their cities, homes churches and families "open, affirmed and self-proud."
Lillie Morehead, 25, of Gainesville, Fla., said she was drawn to the march for its message of empowerment and equal rights.
"The meaning behind it is very important," Morehead said. "It's been something we have been fighting for a while."
The small turnout concerned Fareed Covington of Adel.
"We are always saying we're proud people, but we won't stand up for our rights, and the rights we should have," said Covington. "I wish there were more brothers and sisters here."
The march and rally was one in slew of events held during the five-day celebration that began Wednesday. About 40,000 attended last year, Conway said.
Atlanta Black Gay Pride Weekend, hosted by In the Life Atlanta, is considered one of the largest celebrations of its kind.
Photos by: Elissa Eubanks
Bounce back