Carrying the Torch. Philly Black Pride’s Newly Appointed VP on Legacy & Responsibility

Meet Olu Solanke, VP of Philly Black Pride

As a North Philly native, stepping into the role of Vice President of Philly Black Pride isn’t just a title, it’s a responsibility to protect, grow, and give back to a community that has helped shape the man I am.

Oftentimes, when the community travels to different Pride celebrations, they don’t realize the amount of blood, sweat, and tears poured into events to ensure they have a wonderful weekend. It’s no coincidence that Philly Black Pride kicks off Pride season and was one of the first organized Black Prides in the nation. That legacy exists because of the giants who came before me, those who passed the torch to ensure this organization could stand the test of time 27 years later.

From humble beginnings, Philly Black Pride started as a house party that founding member Tyrone Smith hosted during Penn Relays weekend in the 70s. It quickly became something much bigger and laid the foundation for what we now know as Philly Black Pride. We owe so much to those early moments, and to the leaders who were brave enough to create space when it didn’t exist. The organization was formalized in 1999 as a response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic that was devastating Black and gay communities. It was built as a space for resource-sharing, education, and care. At its core, Philly Black Pride weekend has always been about community, and it’s our responsibility to keep that at the forefront of our minds as we turn up. Fifty-six years later, we still own Penn Relay weekend, and it’s thanks to elders and ancestors like Tyrone that we prioritize joy during Philly Black Pride Weekend.

The board I’m fortunate to serve with prioritizes community in a real way, especially when it comes to creating third spaces, environments outside of nightlife that community can enjoy and foster connection. This year, we’ve hosted an open mic night, Queerly Beloved; our first Black Pride Run/Walk 5K; a mindfulness and yoga retreat, Rooted Wellness; our first-ever video game tournament, Allied Gaymer Force; and we closed out the weekend with our 2nd Annual Thrive: Black LGBTQ+ Empowerment Summit. These events, alongside nightlife, are essential to Philly Black Pride Weekend. Our goal is to expand what Pride can look like, beyond nightlife and into spaces of wellness, creativity, and connection. We’re intentionally creating space where everyone can feel seen. Most importantly, all of the events the board plans are free, because cost shouldn’t be a barrier to community.

Closing out the weekend with Thrive: Black Black LGBTQ+ Empowerment Summit is especially important to me because it creates space for real, in-person dialogue. Too often, we’re having conversations behind a keyboard, talking at each other instead of with each other. Thrive allows us to be vulnerable, to take up space together, and to learn from each other’s experiences. These third spaces matter. They allow for connection without the pressure of loud, alcohol-centered environments. They create room for sober community members, for youth, and elders, people who often feel left out of Pride’s nightlife spaces, to feel included and engaged.

Since joining the board, I’ve been energized by the growth of Philly Black Pride. Each year, we’ve seen increased visibility, stronger partnerships, and more positive feedback from the community. People are truly enjoying their time in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, and that matters. I want Philly Black Pride to be the reason friends look back years from now and laugh about the shenanigans they got into. I want Philly Black Pride to be the backdrop to someone’s love story. I want Philly Black Pride to serve as a space where someone who has just come out can fully embrace who they are, find community, and feel affirmed in their identity and expression.

Looking ahead, I’m most excited about continuing to connect with more people and deepen our impact. Since joining Philly Black Pride, we’ve produced a Pride Night halftime performance for the Philadelphia 76ers, supported a ballroom performance at the Roots Picnic, and hosted our first-ever Pride Night Winterfest skate event, among so many other moments. This June, I’ll be co-launching a digital archive initiative titled Preserved Portraits, where we’ll share the stories of LGBTQ+ elders. Too often, there’s a disconnect between generations, and I want to help bridge that gap via storytelling. There’s so much we can learn from elders, especially when it comes to love, friendship, organizing, and resilience. I’ve already learned so much from the conversations I’ve had, and I’m excited for others to experience those diverse perspectives as well.

I hope Philly Black Pride continues to grow. But it can’t happen without the community. It’s easy to show up for the parties during Pride weekend, and there’s nothing wrong with celebrating. But it’s just as important that we give back, that we organize, and show up for one another. We are facing real challenges as a community, and the only way forward is together.