Pride and Progress...The Beginning: Houston Splash 2012

Houston TX, May 4-6 2012- Houston Splash is a celebration of Black LGBTQ Pride. In its 17th year of inception, Houston Splash has sought out and achieved the goal of celebrating pride, expression and culture. A plethora of events are planned to suit attendee tastes from all over the U.S.A. Featuring daytime events ranging from mall takeovers to day parties and nightlife good-times hosted by celebrity guests, patrons have a variety of options to choose when deciding how to celebrate. Previously known as a party circuit, Houston Splash has begun moving to a celebration of Pride and Progress. Similar to the Harlem Renaissance movement, creativity and appreciation for the arts mind, soul and body have crept into what has become known as one of the largest, Black Pride events. Extraordinary explosion in music, film, literary studies while striving for excellence are continuously being made in the wake of inequality, injustice and breeches in civil rights. Its critical that during these events, education is rooted in the connection to partying with a purpose. Pride is a time where LGBTQ communities come together and celebrate who they are without ridicule and fear of assault. This should be a given right? Well, any eyes that read this blog, know that isn't the case, no matter how much we would like it to be or ignore that it isn't.  Life still goes on, and Houston Splash has proven that.

In the zone of Pride and Progress, I must address the ugly that is apart of our history. Most LGBT Prides include parties as well as business, health, legal and wealth seminars and other knowledge based events that is meant to provide information that isn't readily available or easily attainable to many in attendance. Houston, has yet to offer the latter of these events. Marketing analysis would say 1 of 2 things: 1. because, of the demographic of those that attend: 18-35, unemployed, underemployed, uneducated or undereducated whose idea of de-stressing is partying, or 2. Promoting efforts haven't been geared toward those that WOULD attend and appreciate what's offered. Yet, the former is the population that SHOULD attend because the information is most beneficial to them. Some others may suggest that the promoters have gone "Hollywood" and are ONLY after the $$$, and have lost the true meaning of putting such events together. I believe it could all of these things, or none of these things. There has been attempts on the promoters part, but financially it wasn't beneficial, because very few attended...because the working man and woman, the educated man and woman find it somewhat frivolous to over do on Splash weekend what they do any other weekend. Whatever the case may be, progress can and will be occur. Pride's mission is or at least seems to be/should be a viable source of Edutainment. Because knowledge is power, it gives attendees a right to be informed and to make better decisions about the quality of life lived all while having a good time.

Now one might ask, "why should there be a separate Black Pride event, when Houston Pride is a rather large event. The answer seems simple, Black Pride caters to "our" needs. While that answer is simple whats not stated with that answer isn't as simple. Indulging, I will say that its because there is still and will always be a lack of unification in small communities. Think: Hatfields and McCoys.
Some may say its a racial thing, and even there, I don't FULLY agree, at least not in terms of Black and White. Race is a major factor and hinderance deep in our society's cloth, yet as a Black people, we're slow to support, we'd rather compete first. Now while, generally speaking, this is a healthy and necessary challenge for anyone in a line of business, however, my people, are very clique-like. In addition to that, we are often uninterested because, no one around us is interested. You are the company you keep. Yet, no one says that the it has to be limited. Support of one's race is like the air you breathe, necessary to live, for our community to live.

So having Pride in my community's Progress, I launched, the S.W.E.E.T Magazine, a Sweet Tooth Media Publication that highlights those culturally revolutionary individuals, businesses and organizations in MY community. MY community is anywhere I 've been, I am, and I intend to go. Being the change that I want to see, I issued literature and protective items provided by AIDS Foundation Houston. There was over 1000 health pamphlets, male and female condoms, and dental dams distributed during Houston Splash this year.  Houston Splash 2012 for me begin with the "Got Damn Day Party" brought to us by DivaOz Houston, Ms. Hunny Ent, Thick Dimes Ent., Kel, and Fifthward Black. It featured 3 on 3 basketball, Putt-Putt, and Live performances by Hollywood & Swagg, Yung Crusay and many more. The event was hosted by Flawless Oz. Everyone in attendance was dab smack in the middle of history in the making at the heart of Pride and Progress: The LGBTQ Renaissance Era. A celebration of gay and lesbian culture. I performed poetry on the stage with some very HOT poets, at Evo Lounge, by request of one of Houston's Biggest Splash Promoters, Her Houston Splash. The weekend ended with The Beach Party, where every and anyone was there. The day was easy and peaceful. At least on my end of the beach. It was a collection of color and a ton of Pride. Some even had so much pride that they refused to move out of the way of moving vehicles... LMAO, no one was injured!

I want to thank everyone that supported the S.W.E.E.T's Magazine launch, and beach event. To DivaOZ and the whole Day Party Producers, THANK YOU for allowing me to make history with you. To Jackson, I am honored that you thought of MsNightLyfe, to SPIT at your spot! To my Family and Friends, THANK YA'LL for putting up with me!

Check Out the Blog Video Of her Houston Splash 2012!!!

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"