GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) -Carolina Caldwell, Executive Director of Upstate Black Pride reflecting on the remarkable progress of the movement.
“We want to celebrate the L, the B, and the G,” she says emphasizing the importance of inclusivity.
Starting with nothing but a vision and determination, organizers faced significant challenges in bringing Upstate Pride to life. “We didn’t have a budget; we had no money,” Caldwell said. “We just knew we wanted to create an event that centered Black culture for the community.”
Finding safe spaces for the Black LGBTQ community during Pride Month was a considerable hurdle, according to Caldwell.
“What we found with queer people of color is that although there are events, they did not feel centered at those events. They did not feel as if they were engaged in organizing those events, and they did not always feel welcome,” Caldwell said.
For many, visibility and acknowledgment are crucial. Eboni Sims, a lifelong member of the LGBTQ community, underscored this need.
“I’ve been a part of this community for my entire 56 years. The trans people, because I’ve identified—we’ve identified as the low-hanging fruit,” Sims said.
Reflecting on the journey, Caldwell recalled the early days of Upstate Black Pride, reminiscing about their first Black Pride Festival at Falls Park.
“It was just such a wonderful time to see something that you knew was needed and then to actually see it come to fruition. It was absolutely beautiful to know that it started with 1,300 attendees and last year on Main Street our GO fencing was at about 12,000,” Caldwell said.
This growth underscores the importance of creating spaces where the Black and Brown LGBTQ community can celebrate with pride.
“There really is no difference; it is an event for the entire community. The main difference is we’re centering Black culture. When you come to Black Pride, you’re going to see food by Black vendors, and you’re going to see performers who are people of color,” Caldwell said.
Sims expressed profound gratitude for the event’s impact.
“Being able to now experience Upstate Black Pride during their entire festival, where we’re celebrated on those same streets, is a life-changing experience. It’s an experience I always wished to one day be able to see,” Sims said.
The Upstate Black Pride walk will be held Saturday June 29th downtown Greenville at 11 am.
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