Celebrating Detroit's LGBT culture since 1996
Detroit Black Gay, Inc., the first organizer of HTJ, was founded in 1995. Kevin Griffin, Johnny Jenkins Jr, and Curtis Lipscomb are the founding members of Detroit Black Gay, Inc. 2014 is the nineteenth uninterrupted year of Hotter Than July and 2015 will be Hotter Than July’s twentieth anniversary.
Hotter Than July is a themed, multi-day, pride celebration organized by community-member volunteers. In 1996, ten persons sat on the original planning committee, and currently over 20 persons serve on the committee. After Detroit Black Gay, Inc, two additional companies organized Hotter Than July — Black Pride Society (organized and led by Johnny Jenkins, Jr, Henry “Hank” Millbourne, Robert Clark and Kim Jones, respectfully) and KICK. Today, staff of KICK manages Hotter Than July as a social justice rally with staffers in key organizing duties.
According to The Center for Black Equity, “Black Prides became popular because they provided a safe space for members of the Black LGBT communities to come together to celebrate the duality of being both Black/African American and members of LGBT communities. Historically, there is often very little room at the “traditional” community LGBT pride events to do so. Black LGBT communities celebrate at Black Prides in the same spirit in which other ethnic Americans are encouraged to celebrate their heritage with Columbus Day, Von Steuben Day, Israel Independence Day, St. Patrick, and the Pulaski Day parades as well as other ethnic festivals.
Hotter Than July has made significant achievements. It is the second oldest type of celebration in the United States; founding member of the International Federation of Black Prides (or Center for Black Equity); in 2002, received support from Ford Motor Company, a first of its kind; held mayoral candidate forums; and in 2014, expand the LGBT in The D campaign in Palmer Park.
Our goal remains the same: to enrich the quality of life for all Black lesbian, gay, bi and transgender persons, especially youth and family. Hotter Than July increases visibility and encourages health and wellness, empowerment and identity. Lastly, Hotter Than July provides an opportunity to collaborate on issues, develop strong partnerships, and ensure longevity.
In 2014, Hotter Than July is held Tuesday – Sunday, July 22 – 27. The following activities occur: Candlelight Vigil, Boat Ride, Film Festival, Annual Gathering for LGBT Issues, Palmer Park Picnic, Sunday Worship Service and the Sunday Brunch & Tea Dance.
Current sponsors to date are: Between The Lines, Swerv Magazines, Empowered Products, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, AIDS Partnership Michigan and Ruth Elis Center.
As always, Hotter Than July aims to:
- Highlight established coalitions of progressive organizations and businesses dedicated to improving the quality of life for Michigan residents
- Encourage community-based groups, businesses, grass-roots institutions and individuals to use Hotter Than July as a tool to strengthen financial, marketing/promotional and programmatic needs, and
- Advocate and promote for the wellness and empowerment of LGBT communities of color
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