The Message for the Weekend: We are Stronger Together

The 15th Annual Nashville Black Pride (NBP) was held Oct. 12 – Oct. 15 with various events held throughout the city. This year’s theme was “Stronger Together” and opened Thursday night with an awards dinner and special performance featuring LHIV 2 Zero and Nashville in Harmony (NiH).

Nashville Black Pride Bell & James
Judge Rachel Bell and Dr. Dorsha James

The celebration continued Friday evening with a dinner and learn at My House, Black Pride Happy Hour at Cloud IX and a Freaky Friday Pajama Jam.

Saturday included a vendor marketplace and town hall meeting featuring Judge Rachel Bell, Dr. Dorsha James (right) and Christopher Goodwin (below).

Judge Bell and Dr. James spoke on their marriage and decision to go public with it. “Yes, we’re married. Why is it that big of a deal?” said Bell. “I’m glad God chose us to tell our story.”

Bell and James went on to discuss their Facebook show, “The Judge Rachel and Dr. Dorsha Show.” Their message is “I’m just…human” acknowledging that all sexualities are equal.

Nashville Black Pride Goodwin
Christopher Goodwin

Christopher Goodwin followed with his story about not living authentically. “The thing that always stopped me was the fear of failing, afraid of putting my vulnerable side out there,” said Goodwin. His newfound self has begun a new ministry called Cove 514, which focuses on living authentically.

NBP wrapped up on Sunday with a church service, the 21st Mr. Esquire Pageant, won by Kaedyn Camryn, and Roll Out rollerskating party.