Charity Blackwell Recognition Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Zachary Parker

Ceremony recognizing Charity Blackwell for her contributions to arts, culture, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy during the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration.

Approved with Resolution Number ACR26-0169

Bill overview

Bill: CER 26-0173 (Charity Blackwell Recognition Resolution of 2026)

Jurisdiction: District of Columbia

Session: 26

Sponsor: Councilmember Zachary Parker (also listed as co-sponsor)

Type: Ceremonial resolution recognizing an honoree

Status: Introduced June 18, 2026; retained by the Council June 30, 2026

Purpose and intent

To recognize and celebrate Charity Blackwell during the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration.

Specifically marks her as an award-winning spoken word artist, storyteller, and cultural curator, and honors her contributions to arts, culture, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and community healing.

Aligns with DC Black Pride’s goals of visibility, advocacy, education, health equity, and community empowerment.

Key provisions and changes

Recognition: The resolution formally acknowledges Charity Blackwell for her work and leadership in culture and arts, particularly within LGBTQIA+ communities and Black queer spaces.

Scope of honor: Highlights her roles as:

Chief of Culture & Arts at DC SCORES
Director of Poetry Events at Busboys and Poets
Collaborator with major organizations/platforms (e.g., National Women's Soccer League, NBA, MLB, MLS, TEDx, BBC News, Washington Spirit)
Presenter on stages such as The Lincoln Theatre, The Kennedy Center, and The Hirshhorn Museum

thematic framing: Emphasizes her use of poetry and performance to create spaces rooted in healing, authenticity, and human connection, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ advocacy and Black queer visibility and protection.

Context for DC Black Pride: References DC Black Pride as a longstanding, world-renowned event that supports health disparities mitigation, education, youth and family initiatives, and stands against homophobia and transphobia.

Event framing: Ties the honor to the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration, including its theme “New Black Renaissance” and the event’s international reach and impact.

Who is affected

Primary honoree: Charity Blackwell receives formal recognition from the Council.

DC Black Pride audience and participants: The resolution foregrounds Black LGBTQIA+ communities and aligns with the event’s goals of visibility, advocacy, and community support.

General public: Provides an official ceremonial acknowledgment that contributes to the cultural and historical record of DC’s recognition of LGBTQIA+ leaders and artists.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: June 18, 2026.

Council action: Resolution retained by the Council on June 30, 2026 (indicating continued consideration or deliberation).

Effective date: Immediate upon passage (Sec. 3 states “This resolution shall take effect immediately”).

Nature of act: Ceremonial; does not create binding fiscal obligations or new programs, but formally recognizes an individual’s contributions.

Takeaway

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally recognizes Charity Blackwell for her contributions to arts, culture, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy, in connection with the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration. It reinforces DC’s commitment to celebrating diverse Black LGBTQIA+ leadership and cultural expression, without imposing financial or policy changes.