Tri-State Black Pride 2025

Tri-State Black Pride, established in 2017, is an annual event held in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to celebrating and empowering the Black LGBTQ+ community in the Mid-South region. Founded by Dr. Darnell Gooch Jr. and Dr. Davin D. Clemons, the event is organized by The Cathedral Foundation Inc., a charitable organization supporting education, health, culture, and social services.

The mission of Tri-State Black Pride is to showcase unity and pride by promoting equity, equality, inclusion, human rights, education, outreach, arts, and culture within the Memphis and Mid-South LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The event has grown significantly since its inception, attracting thousands of participants and offering a diverse range of activities, including educational sessions, cultural performances, and social gatherings.

In its inaugural year, nearly 3,500 people attended the festivities, which included a sold-out reception at the National Civil Rights Museum—a historic first for a gay pride event at the venue. The success of Tri-State Black Pride has been attributed to its focus on education and outreach, addressing issues such as health disparities, financial literacy, and spirituality within the Black LGBTQ+ community.