by Dr. Ryan A. Starzyk, BPN Vice President & Co-Founder
A groundbreaking nonprofit organization, the Black Pride Network (BPN), has officially launched with an invitation for members. BPN’s mission is to promote Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQIA+) Pride on an international level.
BPN defines Pride as living authentically, celebrating together, building community, and creating an equitable future. We are committed to fostering unity, education, and engagement within our vibrant community.
During the launch, BPN Founder Richard Brethour-Bell stated: “I started the Black Pride Network because after having the opportunity to sit on local, regional, national and international Pride boards, I noticed a lack of enthusiasm for the promotion of anti-racism and social justice focused programming. I also noticed that many Prides of color didn’t feel included in national and international Pride organizations."
"That’s why we created BPN. Prides of color can feel a sense of community. We can talk about issues that make some larger and predominantly white Prides feel uncomfortable. BPN’s pillars include building Awareness, creating Community, and delivering Education (ACE).”
This is a significant milestone in the ongoing journey towards unity, empowerment, and celebration within the Black community, according the BPN founding members. Founded on the principles of solidarity, advocacy, and inclusivity, the Black Pride Network aims to provide a platform where individuals of Queer People of Color (QPOC) can come together to celebrate their heritage, promote social justice, and foster positive change.
The Black Pride Network recognizes the diversity and richness of the Black experience. It seeks to amplify the voices of all members of the QPOC community, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, by embracing and celebrating the unique intersections of identity within the Black diaspora, the network endeavors to create a vibrant and inclusive space for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action.
The Black Pride Network invites individuals who share its vision and values to join the community. The Black Pride Network welcomes you to become a member and contribute to building a stronger, more united community.
As a BPN member, you can access exclusive events, resources, and opportunities to make a difference. The network has multiple membership options for nonprofits, individuals, students, government entities, and businesses, an invites everyone in the QPOC community and our allies to join us in this vital work. Some of the membership benefits include:
Networking | Monthly virtual networking with other members to discuss what’s happening in your region and how we can support each other. Access discounts on future conferences.
Grants | BPN Members are eligible for grants that help elevate the QPOC community. The grant programs will focus on Activism, Education, Innovation, and Engagement.
Exposure | BPN Members will receive exposure on social media, gain a website presence, be invited to submit blog posts, including posts on numerous digital outlet. Members are invited to appear on the official Perspectives podcast.
Learn more about BPN and membership options at www.blackpridenetwork.org/membership.
Visit BPN on social media: Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn | X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
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