About Newark
Pride, Inc.
The Mission of Newark Pride, Inc is to increase awareness of the LGBTQ+ community by providing education, advocating for social justice, increasing progressive public policy, and developing opportunities for empowerment through fellowship.
21st Annual Newark PrideFestival July 13-19, 2026 Newark, NJ. Volunteer Sign-Up Open. Vendor Applications Open.
Our Mission & Vision
The Mission of Newark Pride, Inc is to increase awareness of the LGBTQ+ community by providing education, advocating for social justice, increasing progressive public policy, and developing opportunities for empowerment through fellowship.
Inclusion
Creating a home where every identity is celebrated without compromise.
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Advocacy
Influencing policy and culture to ensure legal and social protections for all.
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Power
Mobilizing local voices to lead grassroots change in our neighborhoods.
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Visibility
Amplifying stories that have been historically silenced by the mainstream.
163
City Wide Events
48
LGBTQ+ Partner Organizations
87
LIVE PERFORMANCES ON FESTIVAL STAGES
Meet Our Leadership
Dedicated professionals working tirelessly to advance the mission of Newark
Pride.
Alonzo S. Blalock
(President & CEO)
Jaivon Lewis, MHA
(Board Member / VP Operations)
Kareem Willis, PhD
(Vice President)
Michelle Ametekpor
Jr. Board Member
June E. Dowell-Burton, LSW, MSW
Founder and Board Member
Abe Gruswitz
Board Member
Christene Carr
Financial Secretary
Damien A. Lopez
Board Member
Lynette Lashawn, MALS
Board Member
Esteban Rodriguez
Board Member
OUR HISTORY
Over two decades of resilience, advocacy, and celebration in the heart of Newark.
2003
Sakia Gunn is brutally murdered
2011 - 2015
President Barack Obama invited Newark Gay Pride to the inaugural LGBTQ Pride month reception at the White House on June 29th.
Newark Pride Alliance and the Hetrick-Martin Institute launched HMI To Go (an after-school LGBTQ program) realizing one of the official promises made after the death of Sakia Gunn.
Rutgers University launched “Queer Newark: Oral History Project” to share and record the stories of three generations of LGBTQ Newark residents
The Newark LGBTQ Community Center is created as the product of a collaboration between existing groups serving Newark’s LGBTQ community
2021- 2025
Vice President Alonzo S. Blalock ranked #39 on NJ Insiders OUT 100 LGBT Power List.
Newark LGBTQ Pride exceeds funding goals of $50,000 in 2022 with help from corporate donors.
VogueTheVote Campaign is adopted into NPI programming, endorsed by Mayor Ras J. Baraka with EVP Blalock as Chairman.
Newark Pride is awarded $125,000 Festivals United grant by Newark Alliance and NJEDA.
Newark Pride exceeds funding goal of $60,000 in 2023 and lands Mars Wrigley as Marquee Sponsor with a $25,000 donation.
Newark Pride partners with Newark Public Library to launch Teen Pride Night.
Newark Pride is honored by Essex County Board of Commissioners. July:Newark Pride host first year of activities as founding member of Festivals United Newark (FUN).
2005 - 2010
July 2005, the first Newark Gay Pride is held in Military Park under the direction of founder June Dowell-Burton.
With the support of Mayor-Elect Cory Booker, Municipal Council and Essex County, the rainbow flag is raised for the first time in Newark in front of the Essex County Court as part of Pride Week
Mayor Cory Booker, Councilwoman Dana Rone, June Dowell-Burton, and Reverend Janyce Jackson raised the rainbow flag at the Newark City Hall for the first time to commemorate the beginning of Pride Week.
Filmmaker Charles “Chas” Brack directed and produced “Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Story”.
Newark becomes the first city in the state to form an LGBTQ Advisory Concerns Commission. “Dreams Deferred” screened at 35th Annual Newark Black Film Festival hosted by the Newark Museum
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. established the Essex County LGBTQ Advisory Council.
2016 - 2020
Annual festival returned to Military Park. Newark Pride Parade marched from City Hall on Broad Street through downtown Newark where we honored Grand Marshall Tracey Africa,1st transgender career model
Newark Gay Pride participates in New JerseyAIDS Walk.
Newark Gay Pride welcomed new corporate sponsorships with Prudential and RPM Development.
Mayor Ras J. Baraka officially designated the week of July 14th Newark Pride Week.
Newark Gay Pride received the 2020 Census Appreciation Award.
