New York City Council Declares August as Black Pride Month
On September 24, 2026, the New York City Council approved a resolution officially designating the month of August as Black Pride Month, recognizing the contributions of the Black LGBTQIA+ community and the movement’s legacy in the city. The measure was introduced by Bronx Councilmember Althea Stevens and supported by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.
According to Gay City News , Resolution 606 honors the ongoing work of the NYC Black Pride movement in uplifting Black queer residents and fostering equity. On the same day, lawmakers also approved another resolution sponsored by Stevens declaring September as African Immigrant Heritage Month. The Black Pride measure was co-sponsored by openly LGBTQ+ lawmakers Chi Ossé, Crystal Hudson, and Tiffany Cabán, alongside several other councilmembers. Official voting breakdowns for the resolutions were not made immediately available as of September 25.
Stevens stated that the legislation aims to formally recognize the histories and cultures of communities that have faced societal barriers. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Sean Ebony Coleman, head of the South Bronx LGBTQ organization Destination Tomorrow, welcomed the decision, underscoring the importance of visibility for Black queer New Yorkers amid ongoing policy debates and scrutiny regarding LGBTQ+ rights at the federal level.
The council’s move came one month after New York marked the 29th annual edition of NYC Black Pride. Lee Soulja-Simmons, who has led the organization for the past 17 years, noted that municipal recognition helps highlight achievements such as the Harlem Renaissance and ballroom culture, while paving the way for broader inclusion in the upcoming American LGBTQ+ Museum at the New-York Historical Society. The annual week-long celebration includes the Mr. and Miss Black Pride International pageant, a health conference, block parties in Harlem, and community gatherings on Coney Island.
Uránia previously reported that New York City officials allocated $15 million for healthcare and support initiatives for transgender people amid heightened scrutiny from federal authorities.
