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Throngs of celebrants gathered on the city’s South Side over the Fourth of July weekend for Chicago’s annual Black Pride festivals. Attendees traveled from far and wide to witness featured artists, dance performances and to partake in an atmosphere that celebrates LGBT pride with family, food and fun.

Organizers for Chicago Windy City Black Pride-SGL hosted their annual festival July 3 at Rainbow Beach, marking the end of a week that included an award reception (at Club Escape) and several parties. The day’s entertainment included performances by a marching band from Chicago’s Youth Pride Center and a Detroit-based dance troupe. Chicago drag legend Ms. Ruff-N-Stuff also excited the crowd with her performances.

Windy City Black Pride (WCBP) hosted its annual “Love Fest” July 4 at Sherman Park. Thousands gathered to witness the day’s live entertainment, dance in the park and gobble down goodies sold by various vendors. Toward the end, rain clouds threatened to spoil the fun, but participants ignored the weather and celebrated Pride anyway. Earlier in the week, WCBP held several other events, including workshops and a poetry slam.