Celebrating Identity: Steven Sawyer Discusses the Impact of Black Pride
Photos by Susan Fried
Recently on The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Steven Sawyer, an influential figure in the Black Pride movement, to discuss the origins and goals of Black Pride events. Sawyer began by expressing gratitude for being on the show and sharing his personal journey. "I'm a southern boy," he said, "a third-generation preacher from Alexandria, Louisiana." His upbringing centered around community engagement, which inspired his work in the Pacific Northwest.
Upon relocating, Sawyer sought a sense of community and discovered a group in Spokane hosting movie nights and other programs. This led to the creation of Black Pride, an offshoot aimed at addressing the absence of a dedicated Black Pride event in the area. "We needed to bring community together," Sawyer emphasized, "to create a space to talk about our issues, celebrate ourselves, and collaborate effectively."
Holiday highlighted the positive impact of Black Pride on the community, noting the overwhelming sense of belonging it fosters. Sawyer explained that the intentionality behind Black Pride events is to provide a space where participants can address critical issues. This year, a Provider Summit will feature 85 different providers who serve Black queer individuals, focusing on tackling challenges such as housing insecurity, underemployment, civic engagement, and health inequities.
"We're having discussions on how to address these issues at a regional level," Sawyer said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing systemic problems. The summit aims to develop actionable plans for improving conditions in these areas.
Sawyer described Black Pride as more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to empower individuals to be authentically themselves. By creating an environment where participants can embrace both their Black and queer identities, Black Pride addresses the intersectionality often overlooked in broader Pride events.
"A lot of people outside queer communities assume that everything is covered," Holiday noted, "but there's intersectionality that wasn't being addressed. You all have done a great job of centralizing these needs."
Sawyer explained that building partnerships with various providers has been crucial in organizing the summit. Keynote speaker Dr. Michelle Andros from the University of Washington will kick off the event, followed by a panel of 12 specialists discussing issues like housing, employment, and healthcare. Attendees will participate in roundtable discussions to develop plans for closing gaps in equity.
In addition to the summit, Black Pride events include a vibrant mix of activities. "We're partnering with the Seattle LGBTQ Commission," Sawyer announced, "for a phenomenal start at City Hall." The festivities include a kickback on First Avenue at the NTF Museum featuring comedian Miss Sophia from Atlanta, culminating in a celebration running until 3 a.m.
Sawyer provided details for those interested in attending: "From August 16th to 18th, we have a packed schedule. Saturday will be at the Grand Hyatt downtown with various workshops and a sneak preview of Jesse Smollett's new film before its official release on August 31st."
For those looking to participate, Sawyer encourages registration through nwblackpride.org, where tickets and a detailed event plan are available. While registration is recommended, attendees are welcome to join any of the events.
Tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
