The Live Out Loud Black Pride Edition Kick-Off Party, produced by Ivan Daniel, launched a series of Black Pride events throughout Los Angeles this past Thursday. The party, co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood, took place at Rocco’s WeHo.
The event included a red carpet, fashion show, trap hip hop 90s by DJ Ben, and the inaugural “I Am Legend” Awards. This year’s special honoree was actress and humanitarian Keke Palmer, who graciously accepted her award and then took selfies with fans.
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“I cannot tell you how happy I am to be in this room and to be acknowledged by you all,” she said from a catwalk after receiving her award. “I’m just so grateful. I don’t know what to say. I’m so happy to be here and turn up to be celebrated. It’s black pride in this muthaf*ckah! I’m happy to be part of this community and I love you guys so much. I’m so happy we’re turning it up, because 2021 tried to kills us. It tried to kill us! But we survived and I’m so happy we’re taking it into 2021 and we’re giving it everything we got. I love ya’ll. I thank ya’ll. And let’s have a good ass time.
Council members Sepi Shyne and John Erickson attended the event.
Council member Shyne spoke about her role in helping create a Social Justice Task Force composed of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) to help the city dismantle systemic racism.
“We put a lot of money into community services in West Hollywood, but we are going to be putting more money into diverse communities and away from what traditionally is known as public safety,” she said. “We are doing it it West Hollywood. We will continue doing it. You are always welcome here and we love you.”
“I want you to do three things for me,” said Council member Erickson. “First, I want you to wash your hands. We gotta make sure we wash our hands, OK? Two, make sure you get vaccinated, and on the count of three I want a round of applause for the organizers tonight… We would not have this event without them. Thank you all of you. We can’t wait to do this again next year. And most importantly, thank you for coming to West Hollywood. We love you.”
The event honored several members of the community for their work in LGBT activism.
The City’s co-sponsorship was initiated by West Hollywood Mayor Horvath, who recommended the City approve the co-sponsorship agreement with the producers of the event, including a City financial contribution up to $15,000; authorize the use of the City name and logo on invitations, programs, and other materials and direct the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communication tools to promote the event including, but not limited to, the City’s website, a press release, and social media tools.
She was unable to attend the event because she was celebrating her birthday with family.
The event last night is an addition to official LA Black Pride events produced by Brandon Anthony. It is going into Monday, July 5, 2021 with various events throughout the Los Angeles region, produced by Brandon Anthony.
Events this weekend include:
· Friday, July 2, 2021, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. – The Return of “CLSQ” Location: Chapel at The Abbey, located at 696 N. Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood;
· Saturday, July 3, 2021, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. – “ONE” Mega Party: The Return of Catch One Location: Catch One, located at 4067 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles;
· Sunday, July 4, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. – The Grand Opening of “ERA” Location: Rocco’s WeHo, located at 8900 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood; and
· Monday, July 5, 2021, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. – LABP Day Party, The Parlor, located at 7250 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles.
The 7th annual LA Black Pride 2021 weekend is organized by the BASH LA and BBE Groups. For more information, please visit www.blackpridela.com. For tickets and additional information on Eventbrite, please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/la-black-
