Out the Archives is a recurring feature diving into the archives of Windy City Times, offering a look back at the rich history of LGBTQ+ Chicago.
In this edition, we look back at the August 1999 issue of BLACKlines at Lester Davis, Brian McGee and Israel Wright’s coverage of Chicago’s first Black Pride celebration.
In the August 1999 issue, Lester Davis chronicled Chicago’s First Annual Black Pride, which took place over Fourth of July weekend. With a variety of performers and thousands of attendees, the event brought the city’s Black queer community together for a weekend of celebration.
Friday night, the Rails Entertainment group brought out more than 1,500 people, causing heavy traffic on N. Elston Ave. The next night at the Generator—a well-known queer hangout—singer Dajae put on a successful show. There was so much noise and music at the Dajae set, kids started camping out with lawn chairs outside on the lawn and parking lot.
“It was like Chicago’s version of Atlanta Freak-nik,” Davis said.
Davis said CPD didn’t bother doing anything but barricade South Halsted—“They knew better than to fuck with the kids,” he said.
Despite hot temperatures inside, Fu Fu Entertainment had a big turnout at Planet Hollywood. KC Productions put on a show on the South Side and Executive Sweet handled up north. Several private safe-sex parties were also put on over the weekend by Blakboyz Productions and Bla-tino.
On July 4, thousands of people attended the Chicago Black Pride Festival picnic. The event included free food, entertainment, vendors and a variety of social groups—from women’s groups to HIV/AIDS awareness to volleyball. Davis described it as an “umbrella effect which brought the community together.” Photos from the weekend include folks of all ages coming together in everything from casual tank tops to fully-done makeup, laughing and talking with each other.
In the evening, D/E Entertainment hosted Grammy winner Frankie Knuckles at House of Blues for one last weekend party.
“To the Chicago children: never let anyone tell you that we cannot be unified together as one,” Davis said. “Because this proved to many others, and myself, that we can.”
Did you contribute to BLACKlines during its 1996-2004 run? We want to hear from you! Email Managing Editor Jake Wittich at wittichjake@gmail.com to get in touch.
