[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     REQUESTING THE HOUSE TO HONOR BLACK LESBIAN AND GAY PRIDE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Washington, DC's 
12th Annual Black Pride Festival, May 24 through May 27, 2002, and its 
organizer Black Lesbian and Gay Pride Day, Inc. (BLGPD).
  BLGPD's mission is to build awareness of and pride in the diversity 
of the Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community, as 
well as to create a funding source and support for organizations that 
are addressing HIV/AIDS and other health issues adversely affecting the 
AfricanAmerican community. In keeping with this mission, this year's 
Black Pride theme is: ``A time to heal.''
  Since its inception in 1991, Black Pride has grown from a single 
gathering on the Banneker High School Field to the largest Black Gay 
and Lesbian Festival in the world. Black Pride attracts attendees from 
every major urban area in the United States as well as participants 
from Canada, England, Germany and the Netherlands. This year more than 
10,000 people will participate in a four-day celebration, which 
includes over thirty different events including a Youth Party, a 
Wellness Expo and the first Black LGBT Film Festival to become part of 
the official schedule of events. Black Pride culminates Sunday with the 
DC Black Pride Expo at the Washington Convention Center.
  The citizens of the District of Columbia and I feel a special 
affinity for any Americans who do not share all the rights and 
privileges enjoyed by most citizens of the United States. On Thursday, 
May 23rd at 2:30 PM, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will 
hold an historic hearing on the ``No Taxation Without Representation 
Act of 2001.'' My Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered 
constituents feel the lack of a vote in the House most acutely. They 
bear the burdens of our democracy, yet they neither have complete 
access to its power to redress the injustices that befall Lesbian, Gay, 
Bisexual, and Transgendered Americans, nor do they have full power to 
redress those special injustices, which we suffer in the District of 
Columbia.
  Furthermore, Congress has not yet protected sexual orientation from 
discrimination. Despite increasing reports of violence and physical 
abuse against Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered Americans, 
Congress has not enacted protections against hate crimes. Congress must 
pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Congress must pass 
the Hate Crime Prevention Act. Congress must pass the Permanent 
Partners Immigration Act. Congress must return full voting rights to 
the District of Columbia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in saluting the 12th Annual 
Black Pride Festival; its organizers, Black Lesbian and Gay Pride Day, 
Inc.; its sponsors; and the volunteers whose dedicated and creative 
energy make Black Pride possible.

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