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LOS ANGELES BLACK PRIDE HOSTS THE LARGEST BLACK GAY PRIDE EVENT IN AMERICA
LABP
While Martha's Vineyard attracts some of the country's most elite African-Americans every summer to what iscommonly known as "The Inkwell," so too does the upscale beach community of Malibu. This beautiful beach enclave is expected to swell to almost 20,000 as African-Americans from all over the country populate this pristine California beach on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 from 10am to 5pm for what is known as "At The Beach."
Los Angeles Black Pride (LABP), the oldest and largest African-American gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pride organization in the country, makes a splash this summer as it celebrates its annual pride event, "At The Beach" (ATB), on the shores of Malibu, California. Recognized as a major public event by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, ATB generates thousands of dollars in revenue for Los Angeles County and is an integral part of Los Angeles' GLBT Community.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the July 3rd festivities as part of a week-long (July 1 – 5, 2010) schedule of events focusing on the organization's 22 years of service to the GLBT community. From Manhattan to Mississippi, people from all over the country make the trek each year to this prime real estate to enjoy an eclectic mix of music, food and beach activities under the hot July sun. Some of the highlights of ATB include a best body contest, prizes to exclusive host parties and events as well as a marketplace of African-American vendors from across Southern California. The day's events culminate to one of the largest after parties in Los Angeles (location to be announced).
Due to its ideal proximity to the beach, LABP has chosen the Radisson Los Angeles Airport as its host hotel for its 5-day celebration. The hotel will also host an assortment of parties and social activities catering especially to the GLBT community, including an exclusive cocktail reception on Thursday, July 1st. Patrons are urged to make room reservations early as the host hotel is normally sold out by early June. For reservations, go to www.atbla.com or to www.radisson.com/hotels/rates/calaair and use the promotion code PRIDE.
For more information on Los Angeles Black Pride and the "At The Beach" event, please contact Erik Jason at media@atbla.com. For sponsorship opportunities, go to the organization's website at www.atbla.com.
About Los Angeles Black Pride:
LABP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the education, enlightenment and prosperity of African-American gay men and women of Los Angeles. Founded in 1988, ATB was formed by a group of gay black male friends who met every July 4th "at the beach" for the sake of friendship, love and support. This loving tradition has broadened its scope to also include the lesbian, transgender and bisexual communities. Every year, the organization produces a week-long summer of events to generate funding for various programs throughout the year that benefit its community.
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After taking the oath, Assemblyman John Perez, a Los Angeles Democrat, paid tribute to the gay and lesbian Californian politicians that came before him, saying his achievements would not be possible if not for "people like Elaine Noble, Harvey Milk and Sheila James Kuehl, who blazed a trail of pride and purpose for gay and lesbian Californians to serve our state."
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MANIFEST EQUALITY LAUNCH
MANIFESTEQUALITY(www.manifestequality.com)is now set to launch in its pop up space in the center of Hollywood on Wednesday, March 3 - Sunday, March 7, 2010. The MANIFESTEQUALITY Gallery issues a call-to-action, with artists motivating public energy toward true reform on a local, state and national level. Artists, grass roots activists, performers, celebrity guests, art collectors, musicians, public officials and the general public will display their works and show support at the MANIFESTEQUALITYGallery in Hollywood, CA. just blocks from the Kodak Theater where the Academy Awards will be held. Participating artists include: Barry McGee, Harvey Pekar, Karen Kimmel, Robbie Conal, Ron English, Tierney Gearon, Shepard Fairey, Clare Rojas, Swoon and hundreds more.
The MANIFESTEQUALITY gallery has gathered international and local artists in a call to present artthatunites art, activism and the message of universal equal rights into a memorable multi-media 'moment'. Through Suffrage, the Equal Rights Amendment, the Prop 8 shockwaves, the legal battle for equal rights has been fought at different times, on differing fronts, for varied communities. In response to the growing resistance to equal rights for the LGBT population, the creative community is gathering, during Oscar Week to bring inspiration through the creation of original artworks, performances and special installations that raise visibility for the grass roots efforts to ensure full Equal Rights to LGBT Americans. Upper Playground (www.upperplayground.com) will be working with the artists and offering sales services to assist in the fundraising for this cause. The MANIFESTEQUALITY gallery interior has been designed by artist Jed Lind in collaboration with local LA Design team COMMUNE (www.communedesign.com ) headed by Roman Alonso and Steven Johanknecht with a generous contribution by the ReUse People.
Aaron Rose and his arts organization Make Something School (www.makesomethingworkshops.com) will host students on Saturday March 6, 2010 who are between the ages of 16 - 21. Aaron dreamed up a nationwide series of art workshops for teens. His intention was simple: to introduce a new generation of creative minds to the concept of DIY.
MANIFESTEQUALITY Schedule of Events include:
March 2, Tuesday 7pm - 10pm Invitation Only: VIP and Media Preview
Courage Campaign Presents: Legendary activist and organizer, Cleve Jones
Cleve conceived of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt which at 54 tons, has become the world's largest piece of community folk art. Jones is portrayed by actor Emile Hirsch in MILK, director Gus Van Sant's 2008 film about the life of Harvey Milk. More recently Cleve recognized the need for a national stage in the equality debate and together with activists from around the country he spear-headed the National Equality March this past November. He is an adviser to and works closely with the Courage Campaign.
Musical Performance by Emily Wells - is a violinist whose style merges hip-hop and classicals. She also uses many other instruments in her work, including glockenspiels, analog synthesizers, and even toy pianos and other toy instruments.
DJ Diabetic (aka Shepard Fairey)
March 3, Wednesday 10am - 6pm Gallery Open to the Public
8pm - 1am Opening Night Party:
Musical Guest: Uh Huh Her, Fitz & the Tantrums, and more
DJ Set by Tim Biskup, Chris Holmes, and Booby Trap
March 4, Thursday 10am - 6pm Gallery open to the public
March 5, Friday 11am - 10pm Gallery open to the public
March 6, Saturday 10am - 6pm Gallery open to the public
11am - 5pm Make Something School with Aaron Rose
8pm - 1am Closing Night Party
Musical Guests: Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse, Sam Sparrow,
DJ Set by Crystal Method and Kelly Cole
March 7, Sunday 10am - 5pm Gallery open to the public
Additonally throughout the week you catch DJ sets with: Daisy O'Dell, Adam 12 and Justin Warfield from She Wants Revenge, Boom Bip, Mia Moretti, Justin Allen, DJ AC, Dan Mancini, Rare Matthew, and more.
MANIFESTEQUALITY's
Presenting sponsors include Courage Campaign, Human Rights Campaign, MoveOn, Planet Illogica and Logo TV.
With additional support from UpperPlayground, Blik Wall Graphics, Commune, No Favorite and Juxtapoz Art and Culture Magazine.
Community partners include WhiteKnot, FAIR, EqualRoots, Renwl, Californaia Faith for Equality, Equality California, Black Lesbians Unite, Honor PAC, Homotracker, OutWest, Progressive Jewish Alliance, Latino Equality Alliance, and Generation For Change.
Produced by the team behind the remarkably successful MANIFESTHOPE exhibitions/campaigns at the Democratic National Convention '08 and the Presidential Inauguration '09; including Taskforce, Apple Via & Co.; and Evolutionary Media Group.
MANIFESTEQUALITY will serve as a touchstone event - a convergence of altruistic intention, artistic expression, community engagement and political momentum. > Full Story. [2/24/10]
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