Black Pride – The Brent Star Report

September 2, 2011 | by Brent Star

 

History of Black Pride

Did you know that Atlanta Black Pride is the BIGGEST Black Pride in America? What had happened was, Black Pride was started by a small group called IN THE LIFE ATLANTA, a non profit volunteer-led 501(c)3 organization that is often considered a trailblazer for Black Prides across the World.  In 1996, this group of Black lesbians and gay friends held a picnic over Labor Day weekend to celebrate their unique experience in Atlanta’s LGBT community. Each year, the group grew with others from the community and neighboring cities and before you knew it, Atlanta Black Pride was born.  Now THAT’S real talk.  However, for this article I decided to sit down with a big time club promoter whom for years has kept up with what’s up in the ATL!

About WassUpnATL

Just so you know, I’m sitting here stuffing my face at Midtown’s Jason’s Deli’s on a beautiful afternoon with Mario Harris, leader and CEO of another trailblazer, the promotional group, WassUpnATL. In between tearing up his salad, he tells me story of his WassUpnATL:

“It started in 2002.  I got to meet Vicki, who was then owner of the Armory and Backstreet. She really wanted to see African American events happen at her property. We started with the Armory and we pulled off one of the most successful parties that they ever had black or white.  That was our starting point.  Our mission was to be able to put on upscale and quality events that were equal in value to the straight events that happen in Atlanta.  This includes quality talent, nice venues, great staff with great customer service skills, and an upscale atmosphere WITHOUT an uptight attitude.  We’ve come along way in 9 years, and did you know that according to FlavorMen Magazine, we’ve won BEST PROMOTERS for the last 3 years, according to a column in BLEU Magazine voted us best promoters, according to The Pride Index and WhatstheT.com we were also chosen as the best promoters.  So WassUpnATL spent a lot of time making an impact on the community, employing quality people, and also we’ve helped launch 8 other promoters [such as My Atlanta] and over the last 9 years that have gone on to be top promoters in the country.  So we feel like thus far we’ve made our contribution to the community and we’re happy to be here in Atlanta, and we’re going be here for years to come”.

Durand Robinson:

Right before I was ready to nose dive into my pecan cheesecake, I remembered last year when it was reported on the news and all over the Internet that an individual named Durand Robinson was killed last year around the time of pride.  If you go online now, he’s referred to as “Atlanta Black Pride Leader”.  I asked Mario what he knew about this, and of course he broke it down for me.

“You know Brent, oftentimes people misconstrue us club promoters as pride leaders. Durand was one of the four promoters of another successful promoter group called TRAXX.  He was a good friend of mind that I’ve known every since I’ve been in ATL.  He was loved by everybody and admired by many.  He was in the promotional game for 25 years. Also, that incident had NOTHING to do with Black Pride, it had nothing to do with Pride, it had nothing to do with TRAXX, nor even Black America. It was a total different but unfortunate tragic incident.  It was tragic because the man was well loved in the community, so I don’t see a real reason why that happened to him”.

Is Black Pride For Everyone?

Yes! Believe it or not, Black Pride is also open for all races, but it’s called that because it’s a different culture that should ALSO be celebrated.  This gay African American subculture under the “gay” umbrella celebrates successful black gay history, the fashion, the music, the dances (yeah, where did you think VOGUING came from?), the attitudes and all that black sexy mojo. Lawd have mercy!

Mario says there are a small percentage of other races there, but they’re definitely there and representing.   Personally, I know quite a few white men who love some black men, and some who are more into Hip Hop music than me (but don’t listen to me, cause I’d listen to everything, even country music. What? I might meet a cowboy one day). I say celebrate any pride you can while you’re on this planet Earth.  Stop building these walls of isolations and recognize that we’re all just brothers and sisters in the name of the human race (sorry, I got on my soap box again.  I need a cocktail.).

What I’ve heard is WassUpnATL is bringing Mary J. Blige to Black Pride! (Oh, is she a Lesbian too?)

“N0 Mr. Star, now you already know she’s str8 but she loves and support all of her gay fans”, says Mario, “She will be at the famous PARK TAVERN in Piedmont Park on that Sunday, September 3^rd.  But of course for ONE HOUR ‘cause Mary isn’t cheap.  She’ll do a live performance that you don’t want to miss then she will perform for the ladies, that our sister promoters, Girlsnthenight.com, will produce at the Compound.

But don’t forget to tell your readers Brent that on that Friday, Sept 1^st, that I’ve hired you to host a mini strip show (30 different strippers from all over) at Georgia Freight Depot and to support the other events by other club promoters.  It’s my belief that one day ALL the club promoters will come together ATLEAST during Black Pride as ONE  so we can REALLY turn it out and have an even more successful pride.”

You’re so right Mario, we need more UNITY around here!

Where to catch Brent Star: Thursdays at Matador Cantina (925 Garrett St), Saturdays at Tijuana Garage, SundayCowtippers, occasionally at Burkharts and everywhere else that pays.