Jacen Bowman takes next step in leadership at Philly Black Pride

After more than a decade in various leadership roles serving Philly Black Pride, Le Thomas is stepping out of his position as president — shifting instead to become the organization’s Grants and Funding Manager.

“I’ve had the honor of leading this incredible organization through its highs and lows,” Thomas said. “What I’m most proud of is our ability to sustain — to stay rooted in community even as the world around us changed. While many programs fade or shift so much that their identity disappears, we’ve stayed true to who we are: unapologetically Black, proudly queer, and deeply committed to our people.”

Thomas, who remarked that he’s leaving the organization in “strong, capable hands,” is passing the baton to Jacen Bowman — the organization’s highly visible vice president who is often a strong presence and the voice of the mission at local events.

Bowman takes that visibility very seriously — especially because he grew up not seeing himself reflected in leadership.

“When people see me, I want them to see possibility,” he underlined. “I want them to see someone who made it through and is still showing up for community, not just in the spotlight but in the trenches. I also wanted them to see that it’s safe to show up as your full self unapologetically and still be rooted in community and not ego.”

As a long-serving board member, Bowman is a natural fit for the role — but he said that moving into the position is both affirming and surreal. He first got involved nearly a decade ago because he hoped to participate in and cultivate a space for Black, queer people to “not just celebrate — but heal, organize and be seen.”

Bowman described Philly Black Pride as a place where culture meets community — where people gather to celebrate and to organize for the world they deserve. He’s spent several years learning from the organization’s accomplished leaders, organizing events, and planning day-to-day logistics. “But as President, the responsibility shifts,” he said. “Now I’m holding the larger vision, the organizational legacy, and the direction we’re going. It’s less about supporting the plan and more about setting the tone, shaping the strategy, and stewarding our evolution as a movement — not just a moment.”

Bowman knows what it’s like to attend gatherings or support “from the sidelines” while also “picking everything apart.” That was him before he took a more active role — but, he said, no one wants to hear complaints from people who aren’t helping out. By showing up to the organization as a volunteer and leader, he found opportunities to both learn from others and help build something new.

Under Thomas, Bowman said he learned how to make every dollar count while remaining committed to excellency in guaranteeing experiences that people would never forget. He also learned the power of institutional memory and intentional transition.

“Le’s leadership was grounded in both heart and hustle. He led with care, commitment and consistency even when the work was invisible or thankless,” Bowman said. “What I appreciated most is that he saw something in me early on, but never rushed my process. He gave me space to grow and step up when I was truly ready.”

Now that he’s leading the way, Bowman is especially focused on creating goals that align with a strong vision for preserving Black, queer history and honoring the future of Black, queer youth.

Part of that work is a commitment to storytelling and relationships. He hopes to document the lives and experiences of local elders, expand youth mentorship, build up more arts and culture programming, and elevate the organization’s roots in ballroom culture.

The org has grown far beyond its signature celebration weekend every spring — offering year-round programming and expanding its reach past party events. This year’s wellness retreat was both necessary in currently trying times and a jumpstarting tool for liberation. With health campaigns, panels, cultural events, collaborations and partnerships, and grants and scholarships, the org has a lasting presence year round. Bowman’s biggest long-term dream is to find a permanent home for Philly Black Pride in a brick-and-mortar space that serves as a full-time cultural and recreation hub.

“I know it won’t happen overnight, but I’m committed to laying the foundation and setting up the board and infrastructure so the dream remains achievable — even when I’m no longer president,” Bowman said. “This isn’t about ego. It’s about legacy, sustainability and building something our community can own, protect and thrive in.”

One of the biggest challenges will be funding those plans — and allies can play a big role in supporting the efforts.

“We need white allies to show up with humility and resources,” he said. “That means donating, sharing your platforms, hiring Black queer talent, and advocating in the rooms we’re not always in. It also means understanding that true allyship isn’t about centering your voice. It’s about amplifying ours and moving in solidarity without ego.”

“The work has just begun,” Bowman underlined, noting that Philly Black Pride is always interested in welcoming new partners and new leaders into the fold. “It’s exciting times right now. Even though we’re up against some uncertainty, we will find moments of joy.”

For more information on Philly Black Pride, visit phillyblackpride.org.

Lauren Rowello

Lauren came to PGN at the end of 2023 and was previously a freelance journalist. Although they cover a broad variety of news topics for PGN, they're most passionate about opportunities to write about mental... More by Lauren Rowello