Baltimore Pride shines in Baltimore

By AFRO Staff

Pride celebrations took place all over Charm City between June 17 and June 25, highlighting Baltimore’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore served as parade marshall, and other elected officials, such as Sen. Mary Washington (D-Md.- 43) Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott and State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Ivan Bates were also in attendance. Rapper Remy Ma headlined the event, with performances taking place across the city.

Dozens of local organizations, agencies and universities joined in the celebration of love, acceptance and pride, to include cheerleaders from the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore City Fire Department, the North Ave Mission, churches, countless service organizations and Towson University.

According to information released by Baltimore Pride, the event “started as a small event in 1975 that saw activists come together in a peaceful demonstration.” More than four decades later, Baltimore Pride has expanded to include events like “Pride in the Park,” which took place in Druid Hill Park, the Baltimore Pride 5k Run/Walk, the Pride Parade, the Baltimore High Heel Race, concerts, zumba classes, a barbecue and a block party at the corners of North Avenue and 23rd street.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore leads as parade Marshall for Baltimore Pride on June 24. (Photo by Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
Jack McCray (right) enjoyed multiple Baltimore Pride events with his partner, Carlisle Harvey. (Photo courtesy of Jack McCray)
Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller greets the crowd with husband David Miller at her side. (Photo by Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
Reekia Johnson Smith shows off top fashion for Baltimore Pride week. (Photo by ParisE)
Naomi Thee Ratchet, host and performer at the Baltimore Eagle, hypes up the crowd. (Photo by R&H Photography / Ryan Gattis)
The Towson Tigers showed up in great numbers for Baltimore Pride, which took place between June 17 and June 25. (Photo courtesy of Towson University)
State Senator Mary Washington (D-Md.-43) has been a long-time supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. (Photo by Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
Blair Adams marches with the crowd during the Baltimore Pride parade. (Photo by Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott shook hands, held babies and became one with the Baltimore Pride community on June 24 with other elected officials like Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates. (Photo by Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)