BLAQUE/OUT BLACK PRIDE '23 SPOTLIGHT : RVA

Black Pride RVA, a program of UGRC, came in to being to celebrate the unique intersection of identities experienced by all Black LGBTQIA+ people, to promote equality for Black LGBTQ people within the broader Richmond community, and to work towards health equity for the Black LGBTQIA+ communities of Richmond and Virginia

Who is the voice behind Black Pride RVA?

Co-Founders: Luise "Cheezi " Farmer, Zakia McKensey, and Rev Dr Lacette Cross

How did the Black Pride RVA come about?

In 2016, sitting at a roundtable in Tarrant's, Rev Dr Lacette Cross brought together several Community Leaders to discuss how to create space when our voices were not being heard and space was not being developed at the table for black and brown people After several meetings and discussions, Cheezi, Lacette, and Zakia decided to move forward and created Us Giving Richmond Connections, Inc , a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

What is the difference between UGRC and Black Pride RVA?

Us Giving Richmond Connections, Inc. is the name of the non-profit organization and Black Pride RVA is a program of the organization.

Tell me your story is there a reason you became a visionary, minister, and founder?

As Cheezi Farmer I have 30+ years of giving back to the community, and 30+ plus years of bridging the gap between black and brown communities of color

What message do you want to leave the community with?

Us Giving Richmond Connections:

Values: EQUITY INTEGRITY VOICE

There is beauty in diversity!

UGRC/Black Pride RVA welcomes everyone

April 22nd - Community Health Fair

April 22nd - Legacy and Jay Whit Live (fundraiser)

April 29th - Dinner in the Dark (fundraiser)

June 17th - LGBTQIA Prom (17 & up)

July 14th-16th -Black Pride RVA weekend