Atlanta police are investigating an act of vandalism at a hotel in midtown Atlanta during a Global Black Pride event. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday evening, involved an intoxicated hotel guest causing damage to property belonging to the event organizers. There is an ongoing investigation to identify the suspect and determine the motive for the vandalism.
A video on social media showed tables, pamphlets, and pride flags scattered on the floor, prompting Global Black Pride to condemn the incident as an “act of hatred.” Despite the vandalism, the organizers remain committed to celebrating their pride and resilience, emphasizing healing and joy in the face of hate.
The Global Black Pride festival, which includes workshops, art exhibits, and marches, is taking place in Atlanta and will run until Monday. This year’s headliners include Billy Porter and Nigerian singers Yemi Alade and Omawumi. The event aims to celebrate Black queer communities globally and highlights the significant population of Black LGBTQ individuals in the South, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
The 2022 Global Black Pride event is the first to be held in person, following the virtual event in 2020 due to the pandemic. The festival is held every two years, with the previous event being in Toronto. Despite the vandalism, the organizers remain undeterred in their mission to celebrate pride and promote resilience within the Black LGBTQ community.
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