About
Philadelphia Black Pride (d.b.a. Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, or PBGP) was founded by the COLOURS Organization, the only LGBTQ health services provider in Philadelphia specifically focused on serving people of color. Established in August 1999, COLOURS initially hosted the Philly Black Pride and Penn Relays festival, which quickly became a significant cultural event for the community. The partnership between COLOURS and the festival continued until PBGP achieved its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in April 2004. This milestone allowed the organization to expand its programming beyond the festival, offering year-round support and services for the LGBTQ people of color in the Philadelphia area.
Since its founding, Philadelphia Black Pride has been a proud member of the Center for Black Equity (formerly known as the Federation of Black Prides), a national organization that advocates for the health and wellness of Black LGBTQ communities. In November 2013, PBGP formalized its relationship with the Center for Black Equity, becoming one of its key programs. This partnership has been instrumental in providing enhanced resources, support, and visibility for the organization’s year-round initiatives and its signature festival held during the University of Pennsylvania’s annual Penn Relays Carnival.
Today, Philadelphia Black Pride continues to be a vital force in advancing the cultural, social, and health needs of LGBTQ people of color in Philadelphia and beyond, fostering community engagement, empowerment, and visibility through its wide-ranging programs and events.
We believe everyone should be able to embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to transform the living and social environments of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of color. We aim to create multicultural opportunities that educate, inspire, improve and celebrate the experiences of LGBTQ individuals through programs, policy, advocacy, partnerships and relationship building.
Our Vision
A world where LGBTQ people of color thrive in inclusive, empowering environments that celebrate their identities. We envision vibrant communities where multicultural opportunities foster education, inspiration, and meaningful change, ensuring equality, respect, and recognition for all LGBTQ individuals through collaborative programs, policy advocacy, and transformative partnerships.