It’s that time of year again, when the district celebrates queer blackness with a weekend of unity and celebration. Returning for a fifth year of dancing and community is Unleashed DC, a DC Black Pride celebration for LGBTQ women.
The organizers behind the Unleashed DC experience are Amina “DJ MIM” Brown of MIMSOL Entertainment, Zekeera Belton of A 2 Zee Events, and the illustrious organizers at Onyx Entertainment. All three promoters are known for their various events throughout the year.
The trio promises this year’s celebration will have something new and special for everyone. “Our number one goal is to have our partiers 150% satisfied and create just a really safe space,” says Belton.
Amina “DJ MIM” Brown (Photo by Robin Flemming)
If this is your first time celebrating DC Black Pride with Unleashed DC, there are a few things the organizers want guests to know. From Thursday evening to Sunday, weekend goers can expect four days that Belton describes as, “positive, fun, and superlit.” “Look forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones as people from all over travel to the district,” adds Brown.
The team has expanded to different venues this year—with a rooftop kickoff party at the Cambria Hotel and a two-floor daytime event at Big Chief—raising the bar while maintaining a safe and unique atmosphere.
Other weekend events include an All White Party, a day party at Stadium Club, and The MEGA Women’s Party at Howard Theatre.
However, Unleashed DC is not only about the parties. By highlighting black and queer owned businesses and featuring them as vendors “is building on the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa, which is cooperative economics,” says Brown. Papr Made and Style is Freedom are two queer-owned businesses who will be in attendance.
In the future, the Unleashed DC team wants to expand their range of offerings even further to include events like poetry slams and pool parties.
The 2019 Unleashed DC experience takes place during Memorial Day weekend Thursday, May 23 to Sunday, May 26 at various venues in Washington, D.C.
