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The Changemakers of Philadelphia



https://epgn.com/2026/04/03/the-changemakers-of-philadelphia-black-pride/In the wake of Philadelphia Black Pride’s announcement of its list of 250 Changemakers, many have asked a simple question: What exactly is a changemaker?


According to Google, a changemaker is an individual or group who takes creative, actionable steps to solve social or environmental problems, someone who acts as a catalyst for meaningful, widespread change. But in today’s cultural climate, the definition can stretch far beyond a dictionary entry. A changemaker might be a social media influencer, a grassroots organizer, an artist, an advocate, an ally, an accomplice, or simply someone the community recognizes for making an impact in their field and in their daily work.


What is important to understand about Philly Black Pride’s 250 Changemakers initiative is that the selections were not made in isolation. Members of the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community were invited to nominate individuals they believed deserved recognition. The response was overwhelming. Emails poured in with names, stories and reasons why these individuals mattered.


The community spoke.


And when the list of 250 Changemakers was released, social media responded in equal measure with celebration and criticism. Congratulations flooded timelines, but so did frustration from those who felt overlooked. That reaction is understandable. Recognition is powerful, and in communities where visibility has historically been denied, it carries even more weight. But the truth remains: these nominees were chosen by the community itself.


This initiative was launched as part of Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary celebration, under Philly Black Pride’s 2026 theme: “250 Reasons to Celebrate.” Our goal was simple but ambitious: to honor 250 Black and Brown LGBTQ+ changemakers whose contributions have helped shape our communities, our culture, and our city.


These recognitions are acknowledgments of people who have often gone unseen and unheard despite their impact.


In a moment when LGBTQ+ rights face mounting challenges, when health care access is threatened, protections are being rolled back, and political rhetoric increasingly targets queer and trans communities, the work of these changemakers becomes even more vital.

They provide hope in uncertain times and remind us that progress is built through persistence.


What began as a recognition list has quickly grown into something larger: a movement to highlight Philadelphia’s unsung heroes.


But the celebration does not stop there.


In addition to the 250 Changemakers, Philly Black Pride will introduce the Philly Black Pride Legacy Honors, recognizing individuals and allies who have used their platforms, voices and influence to shift culture both within Philadelphia and beyond.


So yes — hold your pearls. There’s more.


To truly understand this initiative, we must also understand what it means to be in community. Being in community is not limited to showing up during Pride weekend. It means showing up year-round, doing the work, advocating for equity, supporting one another, and actively transforming the social and living conditions of LGBTQ+ people of color.


Community work is not seasonal. And it should not only happen when it benefits someone personally or professionally.


For many of our Legacy Honorees and Changemakers, this work takes many forms. They are authors who tell stories that affirm queer existence. Podcast hosts who spark conversations about identity and justice. Artists, performers and influencers who use their platforms as instruments for change. They are advocates fighting for fair housing, organizers building safer spaces, and performers bringing joy and visibility to stages across Philadelphia, from Level Up to Fabrika and beyond.


At the same time, it must be said clearly: not being nominated or recognized does not diminish anyone’s contributions to this community. There are far more than 250 changemakers in Philadelphia. This list is not a final word, it is simply a starting point for recognizing the people who help move our community forward.


At its core, the journey of a changemaker begins with something deeply personal: the desire to lead, the desire to inspire, the desire to challenge injustice and build something better. Changemakers envision a Philadelphia that does not cast doubt or suspicion on its LGBTQ+ community; they aim to build a Philadelphia rooted in justice, fairness and equity.


The 250 Changemakers represent our past, our present and our future. They are the people who continue to shape the social, cultural and economic conditions of our communities. They are the change we seek. They are the light in uncertain times.


They are Philadelphia.


The truth is that Philadelphia and America itself would not be what they are today without the contributions of its LGBTQ+ community. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Philly Black Pride is not only celebrating the 250 individuals on this list. We are celebrating every Black and Brown LGBTQ+ changemaker — known and unknown — who has paved the way in this city and beyond.


Their legacy echoes in the courage of leaders like Bayard Rustin and Marsha P. Johnson, figures who fought for freedom, dignity and liberation for our Black and queer bodies.

To the changemaker reading this: You are the change America needs.


As Pride season begins, we invite the community and those who stand alongside us to join us for the Philly Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 6-10 p.m at the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square.


The time for solidarity is now!

Jacen Bowman is the president of Philadelphia Black Pride

 
 
 

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