THURSDAY, MAY 22

FRIDAY, MAY 23

Award Recipients (click name to read bio)

	Welmore Cook Award: Patricia R. Corbett
	Welmore Cook Award: Abdur-Rahim Briggs
	Charlotte Smallwood Award: C. Hawkins
	DC Black Pride Leadership Award: AJ King
	Ruth Ellis Award: DC Metropolitan Police Gay & Lesbian Liasion Unit (GLLU)

Rose Breyae

Check in begins at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 24

Coach G's PowerCORE Workshop

Coach G

The Writers

Buddah Desmond

La Toya Hankins

J. Omarr

Rashid Darden

DC Black Pride Poetry Slam hosted by Tim'm West
Grand Hyatt Washington - Independence B, C, D

This year we look forward to brothas and sistahs bringing their best poetry and spoken word to the mic. 15 poets, 2 rounds, 3 cash prizes. Slam is made for the people: the audience relates to their stories, responds to their experiences, and is moved by the movement of words, voices, and their embodiment on stage. Hosted by the legendary emcee, author, poet, and Deep Dickollective co-founder Tim'm West, come celebrate Black Pride through the words that become flesh, that celebrate our past, present, and future, and that highlight the fierce creativity and talent of the Black LGBTQ community worldwide.

How it will work: Sign-ups for the Slam will begin promptly at 6 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt. In the interest of time, there will be only 15 spots available for the 1st round of poetry. After the host opens the mic, a professional sacrificial poet sets the tone for Slam judging and the Slam will begin. Performances should be no longer than 4 minutes (a minute longer than the three minutes given as standard). Going over time will result in one point being taken from the total. A diverse set of five audience members will be chosen to judge, which will also be guided by audience reaction. After the first round, the five poets with the highest scores will move on to a second round. The top three scores will receive 1st ($250), 2nd ($100) and 3rd prizes ($50).

Tim'm T

Insomniac Mega Pride After-Party
Upscale Ballroom, 3900 Bexley Pl, Suitland, Md 20746

Presented by Omega Entertainment and Daryl Wilson Promotions

Sunday, May 25

Cultural Arts/Health and Wellness Festival
Francis-Stevens Educational Campus, 2425 N St NW (near DuPont Circle), WDC 20037 (outside)

Hosted by the incomparable Rayceen Pendarvis featuring entertainment, vendors and health screenings. The 2014 DCBP Poetry Slam winner will be featured. Sign up to be a vendor >

The Entertainers

Rayceen Pendarvis - Rayceen Pendarvis is a longtime progressive activist who works on issues related to LGBT Liberation. Currently Rayceen is a columnist for SWERV Magazine and the host of "The Ask Rayceen" Show, a monthly live LGBT talk show in Washington, DC. Rayceen has appeared in several print, television and theater productions and also hosted Capitol Pride, Black Pride, Winter Meltdown and Song Master annual LGBT Cruise. During this amazing journey doors have opened to work with Grammy Award winners such as Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan and Jennifer Holiday. Being a former elected ANC Commissioner and a Ballroom Legend are some of Rayceen’s many accomplishments but most of all, Rayceen known to all as "Earth Mother to the Gays” — all hail the Queen, Rayceen! Anthony Wayne from "Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical" - Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical® is a new musical written by Anthony Wayne and Directed by Wayne and Kendrell Bowman. It tells the life story of Sylvester through his music and his point of view. Beyond all the trials, tribulations, glitz and glamour of his lifestyle, he was a symbol for being FABULOUS, but, also, a symbol for unapologetically being who he was. The words and music of this show will enter your ear, soar through your heart and inspire your soul. It’s GUARANTEED to have EVERYONE dancing in the aisles. Broadway Star Anthony Wayne (Broadway’s “PIPPIN”, “PRISCILLA”, “Anything Goes” [2011]) sings, lives and breathes life as the 1970’s Disco Singer SYLVESTER. The show, also, features Broadway’s Anastacia McCleskey (“PRISCILLA”; “HAIR”, “Book Of Mormon”) and Jacqueline B. Arnold (“We Will Rock You”, “PRISCILLA”) as The Two Tons of Fun/Weather Girls. More information: fabuloussylvester.com Jerel - Songwriter, singer, dancer and model Jerel is more than a threat when delivering real music. Hailing from the Washington DC Metro Area by way of Jersey City, NJ. Jerel loves take great pride in what he does. Jerel loves to sing anything from Pop to R&B to Country With his distinct runs and haunting vocals . Jerel has preformed at numereous concerts, churches along with opening up for RUN DMC. One of Jerel's songs is also on display At Princeton University Art Hall Exhibit. Some of his great musical influences are Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, The Clark Sisters, Destiny's Child, Ciara, T-pain, and Justin Timberlake among many others. Jerel is always readily prepared to shut down any stage. His new mixtape "The Light" can be viewed at soundcloud.com/jerel1 Jae "The Lyoness" - Jae "The Lyoness" is a female Inspirational Hip Hop artist. She was born in 1990 in Washington DC and now lives in Baltimore, where she is making a name for herself. She recently performed at the famous Apollo Theater accomplishing one of her biggest childhood dreams. She brings back the true essence of hip hop with a positive message in every song. The phenomenal feline started a movement called "StruggleMewzik" last year in March. StruggleMewzik was created to bring people together by the healing and power of music. Showing everyone that no matter who you are, we all are one. We all struggle at some point in life. Jae released an empowering and inspirational mix tape this past January titled "God Save Me" about her own personal struggles in life as well as her peers. She has received great feedback from fans all over. Jae has impacted so many lives. Letting people know it's okay to follow your dreams no matter how the world may label you. Jae is not shy by giving all glory to God. Without him, she says nothing she does is ever possible. New opportunities have presented themselves for the young feline. She says she is taking it one day at a time. She just knows having God, her future is promising. soundcloud.com/jaethelyoness B. Divine - Brandon Graham, known as B. Divine, is multi-talented R&B/Pop singer, songwriter and producer based out of the Atlanta area. The seamless and original sounds of this R&B/Pop sensation are forever present in his first project, "Podium: No Questions." This well-rounded talent has worked with ASCAP Atlanta and UMGP Nashville and UP TV, while performing on many small and large stages. His most recent token was the "Check It Out Series" with ASCAP Atlanta. His most recent video entitled "Hoping for a Miracle" is available on youtube: youtu.be/KyWzA6lvMjw. Boomscat - The Peace & Body Roll Duo BOOMscat, Washington, DC based, consists of keyboardist/drummer/producer, Asha Santee (BOOM), and vocalist/songwriter Jennifer Patience Rowe (scat). Together, they create a sound that ignites vulnerability, elevation and self-reflection. Since their conception in the fall of 2012, BOOMscat has released their first mixtape, "The Trilogy", performed at several venues in Chicago on their "Peace & Body Roll Tour" including the University of Chicago, and have gained support from gospel music legend, Richard Smallwood, international performing artist Ayanna Gregory, The Gateway Arts District, Kimpton Hotels, several event promoters throughout the Metropolitan Area and many more avid music lovers. The mind requires emotional meditation. BOOMscat is the method. Official website: boomscat.com Dana Nearing - Although he now calls Washington, DC, his home, Dana Nearing grew up on the Northwest side of Detroit, MI. He developed his ear for music at an early age and was greatly influenced by the rich sounds of Motown and R&B, musical genres with deep roots in the Motor City. Dana credits his high school chorus teacher with bringing him out of his shell and onto the stage. Once a counter-tenor, he now sings comfortably in the Bass to 2nd Tenor range. That range, coupled with his years of experience and boundless enthusiasm, has afforded him various opportunities to sing before Washington, DC, audiences as a soloist and member of one of Washington’s oldest and most established choruses, The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC. As one of four children, Dana’s parents taught him a lesson that he continues to hold close in his adult life: you can’t always have everything you want, but be thankful for having everything you need. Singing has been a passion of his for quite some time now and he is grateful for being granted the gift of song. Music brings him happiness, and the rush of performing keeps him motivated to grow personally and professionally while striving to stay humble and appreciative of every opportunity he receives. The OASIS Dance Company - The OASIS Dance Company combines all forms of dance to create an eclectic performance that captivates and rouses the senses of the audience. Founded in 2003, The OASIS Dance Company is a community dance group based in the National Capitol Region of Greater Washington, DC. that is committed to making dance a meaningful experience for all. OASIS combines all forms of dance to create an eclectic performance that captivates and rouses the senses of the audience. The company participates in diverse performances, including local and national parades, talent competitions, TV appearances, music videos, tours, and pep rallies. The dance company’s success reflects the commitment and enthusiasm of its members, and we use dance to build self-confidence and strength by encouraging open expression of emotions and allowing for collaboration with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. In doing so, our company encourages the hard work and dedication that make outstanding dance performances possible. Johnniemae - Raw skills and clever wordplay describe the lyrical talents of rapper Johnniemae. Born, Jamie rai williams this ohio native eventually adopted the stage name "Johnniemae" after rapping and performing for a whole year without a stage name. Shortly thereafter coined ohio's newest lyrical phenom. Johnniemae on YouTube: youtube.com/user/johnniemaetv Miesa - Miesa stems from a musical family born and raised in South Jersey. Miesa and her siblings were trained in music at an early age while learning to play the clarinet, guitar and the piano, and began recording in the studio as early as age seven. During her adolescence Miesa also participated in pageants and magazine shoots. With a love for performing, Miesa is ready to take her place in the spotlight. R&B infused pop, Miesa’s style draws on her vocal training from church and her father. In the past, Miesa has worked with Kaleena of Dirty Money, Cassidy, Young Joc and Joe Thomas. Describing herself as musically dynamic, Miesa’s music is her form of confession. Her upcoming debut album is being crafted by producers the Chemistri and songwriters JacksonCroft MIESA is signed to Siri Music/eOne/Sony is currently working on her debut album with  JacksonCroft (Tamia, Pia Toscano, Jessica Simpson, Keri Hilson), The Chemistri (Wynter  Gordon, Kristinia Debarge) and Happy Perez (Miguel). Official website: miesamusic.com Mr. Bouvier - Mr. Bouvier is a Washington, D.C. based independent artist that is leading the way to producing a fresh persona that soulfully blends his style in R&B/urban pop music. A Richmond, Va native, Bouvier is no newcomer to the music industry. Getting his start singing as a child performing with the South Richmond Boys’ Choir he then later attending a performing arts high school, he furthered his gifts through singing gospel music. Bouvier has had the opportunity to share the stage with notable gospel artist like Ernest Pugh, Yolanda Adams and Richard Smallwood. His sound is influenced by such musical greats as John Legend, Will Downing, John Stoddart and the late Luther Vandross.  His self-written debut single “Love War” featuring Richie Skye was released in 2013; with a remix (“So In Love”) produced by Fatha Julz in 2014. This upbeat, pop anthem encourages people to fight for the love they want with lyrics like “Let’s go to war everybody its time that we fight for love. Let’s go to war start a riot we ain’t giving up. Let’s go to war”. He is currently working on the release of debut album Introducing Mr. Bouvier that will include local and national performances. Mr. Bouvier is notably known as the “Legendary” former co-host of the YouTube sensation ‘The Morning Wood Show,” a weekly “hot topics” show where he candidly shares his fiery personality regarding some of the hottest topics in news and entertainment. He has had the pleasure of interviewing entertainment personalities as singers Luke James and Lil Mo, choreographer Frank Gatson (Beyoncé’s choreographer) and hairstylist Johnny Wright (First Lady Michelle Obama’s hairstylist). Mr. Bouvier was recently selected on the “Who’s Who” list by the G List Society of "Black Gays Who Rock" which profiles LGBT artist. More information: reverbnation.com/mrbouvier KIN4LIFE - A new day is upon us, and hip hop’s answer to the question “what happened to the female rap game” is here. Blessed with the lyrical prowess to compete with the hottest emcees in the business, and being touted as the female version of The Neptunes, the female duo KIN4LIFE is a force. Together as a group for ten years and friends for over fifteen, Nor and IQ have solidified their family ties and KIN4LIFE has never had a truer meaning. Born and raised in Mt. Vernon, NY, a town known for its contribution to hip hop in the late 80s and early 90s, KIN4LIFE is determined to bring hip hop glory back to their hometown and respect back to their genre. As young entrepreneurs, they founded their label, Noriq Records in 2002. Under this imprint, they have released the album KIN4LIFE Volume I” and the EPs “Rock Star” and “I Love KIN4LIFE”. The video for the hit single “Make Up Girl” held a spot on the Click List Countdown on MTV’s Logo for 11 consecutive weeks, and was nominated for The Click List's Top 10 Videos of 2009. In 2012, KIN4LIFE released “It’s Over Now”, the first single and video from their new album “Money Brings Trouble” released in summer 2013. KIN4LIFE has headlined the GO Magazine New York Nightlife Awards show; Pride celebrations in New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Toronto, Palm Springs, Columbia, S.C.; and Inferno Dominican Republic, where they performed for the second consecutive year in 2011, along with Grammy nominee Marsha Ambrosius. KIN4LIFE was chosen as Group of the Year by the OutHipHop.com 2010 Readers Poll. Notable collaborations include tracks with producer DJ Jazzy Jeff and artists STS, Lil Flip, Black Ice and Clarita De Quiroz. KIN4LIFE admits that their first love is emceeing, but their production and songwriting skills makes them a hot commodity behind the scenes. Working with the hottest up and coming hip hop and R&B acts, KIN4LIFE garnered comparison to Missy Elliot, prompting them to form Noriq Records’ subsidiaries, Red Eye Productions and The KIN Factory (writing and production). They showcased their talent as producers in the fall of 2009, winning the “King of the ATL” battle at the industry proving ground Producer’s Swap Meet in Atlanta. They have worked with a range of artists including Black Ice, Babs Bunny, Monifah, Lady Twist and Ty Ward. Their single “Money Brings Trouble” was chosen for placement in the feature film “Changing The Game” which premiered at the 2011 Hollywood Black Film Festival and opened in AMC Theaters in May 2012. KIN4LIFE’s music has also been featured in the films: Black Womyn Conversations, M.I., The Family, and the Lovers and Friends series. KIN4LIFE made their acting debut as cast members in an Atlanta production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” in 2012. In 2010, KIN4LIFE wrote and produced the single “Lone Ranger” in support of LGBTQ youth, and in response to the recent wave of bullying and attacks that have made national headlines. The track was released as a free download on Christmas Day and had 2000 downloads in the first 48 hours. KIN4LIFE has also been featured on the PBS Emmy winning series "In The Life: Defying Stereotypes" which they now screen at universities across the country as part of a diversity program for students and faculty. The Coolots - The CooLots are the original all female Rock and Soul band hailing from the Washington, DC area. A melting pot of different styles and talents, The CooLots come together to create feelings never experienced before. These creations embody sincerity, musicality, rock, funk, and soul, with influences including: N.E.R.D, Me'Shell N'Degeocello, Sade, Staind, Erykah Badu, Kanye West and System of A Down. You can hear all these influences on The CooLots EP - their debut effort, released January 7, 2014. More information: thecoolots.com Capri Bloomingdale - view Capri as Whitney Houston at Shi-Queeta-Lee's "A Drag Salute To The Divas" show.   LaCountress Farrington - view LaCountess as Donna Summer at Shi-Queeta-Lee's "A Drag Salute To The Divas" show. Mary Bowman - If there was going to be a successor to Maya Angelou, many have said that it would most definitely be Mary Bowman. Performing for over 5 years, Mary has graced stages all over the East Coast, and in 2012 she had the honor of performing at International Conference on AIDS in Washington, DC. Becoming a Nationally known poet has not wavered Mary's ability to offer herself raw and unadulterated, as a young woman living with HIV. Mary is the author of “LOTUS” a collection of poetry that was awarded 2011 book of the year by the National Underground Spoken Word Poetry awards. "Be The Change You Wish To See In The World" is manifested in Mary's everyday life as she plans to take her story across seas becoming an Internationally known poet & Advocate for HIV/AIDS. Mary is currently building her own organization, Purpose Over Entertainment (P.O.E.T.) P.O.E.T. is dedicated to reducing stigma and ignorance by using visual and performing arts to bring awareness and education to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Their purpose is to bring healing, hope, and inspiration to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS all over the world. Mary has been featured in several blogs and newspapers including Street Sense (DC), The NY Times, and TheBody.Com. Several local and internet radio stations including, WPFW's Inside Out with Sheila Alexander- Reid, PozIAm Radio with Robert Breining, and The Exchange with Aaron Myers on blog talk radio. Mary has facilitated support groups for youth living with HIV, and has participated in several panel discussions/ rap sessions with youth wanting to learn about HIV. Mary is a poet, advocate, author, singer, however at the end of the day Mary is just Mary; A 25 year old woman, born with HIV. She smiles, she cries, she laughs, and she frowns just like anyone else. Blair Dottin Haley Blair’s talent has always shone through his bright smile and charmingly effervescent personality. A child of the bayou; born and raised in New Orleans and always singing its praises. Blair’s soulful sound has always easily drawn a crowd, large and small. At the tender age of 8, he began showing his talents at Peter Claver, subsequently turning his whole family Catholic (according to Leah Chase). Once he became a Purple Knight he found his way onto the stage at the St. Augustine Talent Shows, from there it was non-stop performing on the football field during half-time and numerous spring band concerts. At 18, Blair was given the opportunity to grace the legendary Apollo stage where he displayed his magnificent presence. During his tenure at the Xavier University, Blair used his gift of song and speech to win the title of Mr. Xavier. This elevated his performance exposure and over the years Blair has used his voice to uplift at-risk youth, the LGBT community, civic gatherings, corporate and private company events. His voice has captured the tender moments of several brides walking down the aisle. Blair is of the firm belief that music is love and he can at best share it through his range and melody. Till the day he dies he will declare his love to his one and only which he expressed on the altar in a mesmerizing performance of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You”. Blair is a dedicated husband, friend, mentor, activist, brother and son. He uses his mind and voice to help young, college-bound students develop the skills necessary for a successful academic career as College Summit’s Manager of Regional Operations. His life is a stage where his constantly sings the praises of God, friends, family, and community. In addition to helping to make the world a better place, Blair also lends his talents to the Washington DC area show band, “Marquise”. This opportunity has allowed him to bless many newlyweds’ first dance, father’s dancing with their daughters, and even shimmy up next to Chelsea Clinton. To say that Blair is an inspiration, an all-around awesome individual is an understatement. Put simply, Blair Dottin-Haley is a true expression of God’s love through his voice and presence. More information: facebook.com/blair.dottinhaley Kore Stacks - Kore Stacks is a DC Hood Rapper. View the documentary on him coming out. EarthTone (The RAProducer) - EarthTone (born Naquan Williams) is a seasoned combo artist hailing from East Orange, NJ. From the age of six he fell in love with the genreand was groomed in what most consider the "Golden Era". Though heavily impacted by the hip hop culture, his influences range from The Eagles to Erykah Badu. EarthTone grew up writing and performing his music after his older brothers discovered his innovative talents. A multi-faceted individual, he would go on to excel in academics and athletics, garnering an opportunity to play NCAA Division 3 basketball for an acclaimed liberal arts college in Pennsylvania. Four years and a bachelor’s degree later, and he would go on to attend the Institute of Audio Research in New York City where he learned the basics of audio engineering and music production. From there he would blend those new skills along with his given talents to become the captivating artist he is today. EarthTone specializes in hip hop production, song writing, and MC’ing. His sound is best described as "High-Grade Hip Hop", combing abrasive lyrics filled with 3rd listen undertones and beats that mirror early Kanye and J Dilla. A few of his favorite MC’s include: Black Thought, Homeboy Sandman, Curren$y, Busta Rhymes, and Styles P. What separates EarthTone’s muziq is its openly gay yet subtle content in an ironic landscape; The Hip Hop Arena. He has a way of bringing you close to the thoughts of a “gay hip hop head”, without making you feel uncomfortable.  Have a listen and you're sure to be entertained and refreshingly informed. Bry'Nt - Bry’Nt began his solo career with the release of his controversial mixtapes “Porn Star” (2008) and “Porn Star II: The Director’s Cut” (2009). He has also had the privilege to perform nationally and internationally opening for artists such as DJ Class, Fantasia, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Teairra Mari, Tweet and RuPaul. Although Bry'Nt has also been hard at work in fashion and film as a model and actor, it is his efforts in music that have put the OUTMusic Award nominee at the forefront of an underground movement known as “Out Hip-Hop” consisting of open LGBTQ artists. Bry’Nt grew an early interest in music growing up in Hartford, CT, and from this interest grew a passion. He and a couple of friends started a rap group called 3rd Degree. Although he was extremely expressive with his music, Bry’Nt was not comfortable with his sexuality at this point in his life. His sexuality remained a secret from his family, his friends, his group, and most importantly, his mother. It was age at 15 that Bry’Nt came to accept his sexuality, and this is where his music took a turn. Feeling that the images of the homosexual lifestyle in Hip-Hop music were poor, he wanted to portray a realistic one. With that he felt he needed to make music that was more “rainbow-friendly,” (a pun he developed to describe his style of music). Bry’Nt feels that a rapper’s sexuality shouldn’t define them, or put them in a separate category musically. More information: reverbnation.com/bryntmusic EnKore Dance - EnKore is one of the the leading urban Dance companies in the DMV. Established in 2010 EnKore swept the East Cost and south with their energetic entertsinung style of dance. Credits include BET's Black Girls rock, 106 & Park , Bronner Bros ATL Hair show, music videos, etc. Enkore is guranteed to always leave their audience wanting

The Vendors

6 p.m.
AND
8:30 p.m.

Monday, May 26