Atlanta was alive with joy and resilience over Labor Day weekend as Atlanta Black Pride brought thousands together for a multi-day celebration of community, visibility, and culture. Held from August 28 through September 1 and presented by The Vision Community Foundation, Traxx Girls Inc., and Rockstars Production, this year's lineup blended political recognition, artistic expression, and collective care in ways that underscored why Atlanta remains a hub for Black LGBTQIA+ life.

Source: Prince Williams/Derek White The weekend began with Mayor Andre Dickens' 6th Annual Atlanta Black Pride Reception at City Hall, presented by Gilead Sciences.

The reception brought city leaders, activists, and community members together in a moment that set the tone for the days ahead. Not only that, but Da Brat and Jesseca Harris-Dupart received the Cultural Impact Award for their changemaking work as a power couple.

Source: Prince Williams / Getty Source: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend / Atlanta Black Pride Weekend "This is Atlanta's best party with a purpose," Dickens said.

"This is the time when we get to celebrate our identity, culture and the community. Tonight serves as a reminder that this city is still the place where every part of who we are is seen and is respected."

Source: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Dickens also emphasized Atlanta's legacy of advocacy.

"You will always find us on the side of justice and inclusion, and we are leading with love, with joy and with compassion," Dickens said. He highlighted that proceeds from the evening supported the Mayor's Youth Scholarship Program, helping to invest in the next generation of leaders. The program also featured remarks from Dewayne Queen, Director of LGBTQ Affairs for the City of Atlanta, who reminded attendees of the movement's roots.

Source: Prince Williams / Getty "We've always been the first to speak up, to stand up, to show up, to act up and to fight for who we are and what we believe in," Queen said.

"That courage is our legacy and it is also our responsibility... in a world where youth too often face silencing, erasure, and broken spirits, they need us now more than ever." The reception stretched across three floors of City Hall, with spaces designed for mingling, performances, and sponsor activations.

Source: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend / Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Guests were treated to complimentary bites from AJ's Catering - including sweet & sour meatballs, Alfredo pasta with chicken and turkey sausage, dirty rice, pork bites, and salads - and an open bar menu that leaned into the theme with names like Yasss Queen (vodka with passionfruit and lemon), Spill the Tea (gin, prosecco, and lemon), and a Pride Punch Mocktail made with fresh juices.

The evening also pulsed with live music, DJ'd by Durand Bernarr, who set the tone throughout the evening. Combined with a black carpet, sponsor lounges, and Gilead's branded photo experience, the atmosphere balanced political acknowledgment with cultural celebration.

Source: Derek White / Getty The night wasn't without flair.

Guests were treated to the Exhibition Kiki Ball, presented by Prince$$, with Da Brat among the evening's guest judges. The runway-style showcase underscored how art, music, and fashion remain central to Atlanta's Pride celebration. Melissa Scott, Managing Partner of Atlanta Black Pride Weekend, said her hope was that attendees left "feeling supported, feeling loved, feeling free, and feeling happy." For her, Atlanta's Black Pride remains distinct because it reflects the cultural and social needs of the community it serves. "People of color, we all have different financial needs, we have different educational needs, we have different health needs... and then, just in general, honestly, in ATL we vibe different. We like different music. The culture's different. So that's what makes our Black Pride so special." A Festival of Pure Heat On Sunday, the 13th Annual Pure Heat Community Festival drew thousands to Piedmont Park for one of the city's most anticipated traditions.

Source: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend / Atlanta Black Pride Weekend From live performances to food vendors to vibrant fashion statements, the festival created a safe space for joy, connection, and cultural expression.



Source: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend / Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Source: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend / Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Special guests included Diamond from Crime Mob, Saucy Santana, Tiffany Evans, Suki, Terrell Carter, Milan Christopher, Teseki, Ivori, Diamond The Body, Reco Chapple, Ms.

Sophia, Melissa Scott, Steezo, 4N Yardi, and Damez.

Source: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend / Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Source: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend / Atlanta Black Pride Weekend One of the afternoon's high points came when Saucy Santana took the stage, running through hits like "Walk 'Em Like a Dog" and "Shisha.

" The crowd matched his energy, turning the park into an open-air dance floor that embodied both performance and co