The celebration of Dallas Black Pride last weekend had a great variety of sponsored events.
Dallas Southern Pride kicked off with the Miss Dallas Southern Pride event held at the Crown Plaza in Downtown. Emceed by Shemar Garçon, the crown of the pageant went to Loretta Armani Mack with Dimetriya Dickerson, Akeria Davenport, and Alexis Davenport-White finishing in order behind Mack. Notable people in attendance included Tommie Ross and Raquel Lord.
With only two events last year, Dallas Her Pride, which partnered with Dallas Southern Pride this year, drew a crowd of approximately 400 women from all over the country. This year, Teedee Davis, one of the event’s organizers, reported that Her Pride turnout was about the same as last year, but glowingly said that there were now five events instead of just one.
In addition to Her Pride’s success in boosting the variety of events specifically for women, it boasted featured celebrities. Tajir Hawkins, cast member of the hit YouTube series Between Women attended, as well as several former WMBA players that included Scholanda Dorell, Chamique Holdsclaw and Dominique Canty.
Not to be outdone by the draw of celebrities, DFW Pride Movement, now in its fifth year of hosting a separate celebration, had several big names performing. Perhaps the biggest names were found in its comedy night at the DoubleTree Campbell Centre Hotel. Hosted by the LGBT Queen of Comedy Ms. Sophia McIntosh, the show included the headliner Monifah, as well as local comedian Anastasia, and a variety of other spoken word artists. Dallas’ very own LGBT activist Cd Kirven was also in attendance.
Perhaps the biggest event with the most crossover appeal was the Lipstick Ball hosted by Dallas Southern Pride at the Crown Plaza. Contestants vogued, shade was thrown and trophies and certificates were awarded. Jack Mizrahi, emcee of the event, provided exquisite wit and a near perfect recollection of lines from Paris is Burning. Music was provided by the talented AiR DJ. A partial list of houses present include the houses of Ebony, Escada, Davenport and St. Laurent.
View photos by Patrick Hoffman from the various events below.
