DARCY BASS | Dallas Voice Intern
Editor@DallasVoice.com
It’s finally June, and Dallas Southern Pride is gearing up to entertain. With a jam-packed event schedule from June 19-22, people of North Texas are encouraged to honor Juneteenth in accordance with Pride.
Juneteenth honors the day slaves in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, and it was first celebrated in Galveston on June 19, 1866. Dallas’ Black LGBTQ community had been celebrating Juneteenth for many years. Then, in 2016, DSP made it part of its mission to recognize Juneteenth with a full weekend of events all flavored with an LGBTQ Pride twist.
On Thursday and Friday, June 19-20, Abounding Prosperity Inc. hosts the “We the Community” Juneteenth Community Summit, a two-day event centered around Black health, wellness and empowerment. It will feature a variety of Dallas-based vendors, health screenings and conversations led by expert panelists. Everyone is invited to Crowne Plaza Dallas, 1015 Elm St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, to participate.
Looking to kick off the weekend with a drink? Stick around Crowne Plaza on Thursday for the Thirsty Thursday mixer, free of charge, from 7 p.m.-midnight. Enjoy a specialty drink with new friends at this casual, adult game night.
Day two of “We the Community” Juneteenth Community Summit takes place on Friday, at the same time and location. Organizers haven’t said if they will be providing Advil or Liquid IV for anyone who might have overindulged at the Thirsty Thursday party. But patrons will have another opportunity for free health screenings and share the wisdom of inspiring panelists.
The Friday festivities continue with a Welcome Reception at the Statler Dallas Curio Collection, 1914 Commerce St., from 7-10 p.m. All are invited to dress elegantly and encouraged to connect with fellow community members before the weekend begins.
On Saturday, it’s time to suit up for the Official Juneteenth Pool Party at the Village Beach Club, 5670 Village Glen Drive, from 4-9 p.m. This is DSP’s first time hosting at Village Beach Club, and organizers say they are thrilled to invite guests to a swim-up bar, luxury cabanas and exclusive sounds from DJs.
Don’t worry, the fun isn’t over yet. If you still have party fever, go to the Invade the Night Party at Thrive Nightclub , 1015 Elm St., from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Keep the energy moving with top DJs and performers at Thrive.
As DPS signs off for the weekend, all are welcome to XOXO Dining Room, 3121 Ross Ave., for the Closeout with our Friends KKMS. Starting at 4 p.m., guests can kick back and enjoy the party as the weekend comes to a close.
For more information, visit DallasSouthernPride.com.