In the heart of Newark, where resilience and community spirit shine brightest, Newark Pride, Inc. has stood as a beacon of hope for over two decades. For 20 years, we have produced an annual Pride festival and provided educational programming on housing, job opportunities, trans activism, and policing reform. Our mission is simple yet profound: to uplift, support, and empower the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, education, and celebration.

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In 2003, the tragic murder of Sakia Gunn, a 15-year-old Black lesbian, shook our city and ignited a movement. Her death was a painful reminder of the violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly young people of color. But from this tragedy, Newark Pride, Inc. strengthened its resolve to create change. We have since dedicated ourselves to raising awareness, advocating for social justice, and ensuring that no one in our community feels unsafe or unheard.

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Through our awareness programs, we educate the public on LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing struggles for equality. Our advocacy efforts push for policies that protect and uplift our community, while our scholarships provide educational opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. We also create empowering spaces for fellowship, where individuals can find mentorship, support, and a sense of belonging.

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To mark the 20th anniversary of the first Newark Pride Festival, we have set a fundraising goal of $20,000.00. This funding will help us continue our critical work in advocacy, education, and community-building. Our deadline to reach this goal is Giving Tuesday 2025.

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Your support ensures that Sakia’s legacy is honored—not with silence, but with action. Every donation fuels our mission, strengthens our programs, and helps us build a future where every LGBTQ+ person in Newark can live with pride and dignity.

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Will you stand with us? Will you help us continue to create a safer, more inclusive Newark?

Donate today and be a part of the movement that honors Sakia Gunn’s life through love, advocacy, and lasting change!