Kimberley Bush Recognition Resolution of 2026

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

Recognizes Kimberley Bush for leading and elevating DC LGBTQ+ advocacy and the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center, highlighting impact on health, culture, and Pride.

Approved with Resolution Number ACR26-0173

Summary of CER 26-0177 – Kimberley Bush Recognition Resolution of 2026

Purpose and intent

A ceremonial resolution by the Council of the District of Columbia to recognize and honor Kimberley Bush during the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration.

Highlights Bush’s leadership and contributions to the DC LGBTQ+ community through the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Key provisions and changes

Official recognition of Kimberley Bush as a distinguished leader in the DC LGBTQ+ community.

Recitation of her accomplishments, including:

Executive Director of the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center.
More than 25 years of nonprofit leadership.
Leadership of arts, culture, and advocacy initiatives since 2014, including CenterArts Gallery (founded in 2017) and curated festivals/exhibitions.
Guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2022) by moving services online and expanding outreach.
Appointment as Executive Director in February 2022 and leadership in opening the new 7,000-square-foot DC LGBTQ+ Community Center in April 2025.
Emphasis on programs that advance health, wellness, creativity, empowerment, and community care.

Contextualizes DC Black Pride as an annual event advancing awareness, health equity, education, and inclusion for Black LGBTQIA+ communities; notes its historical significance as the world’s first Black Pride festival and its global influence.

Acknowledges the 2026 DC Black Pride theme, “New Black Renaissance,” focusing on Black LGBTQIA+ artists, leaders, healers, and organizers while addressing ongoing HIV, inequity, homophobia, and transphobia.

Public note on the event’s scale: DC Black Pride attracts thousands locally and internationally and draws more than 500,000 people to Washington, D.C. for related activities.

Who or what would be affected

Kimberley Bush (namely, the formal recognition within the District of Columbia Council’s records).

DC Black Pride and the broader DC LGBTQ+ community, through heightened visibility and formal acknowledgment of leadership and contributions.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center, whose leadership and programs are highlighted, tying her achievements to the Center’s growth (including the new center opened in 2025).

Procedural and timeline aspects

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

Status/history:

Introduced: June 18, 2026.
Retained by the Council: June 30, 2026.

Effective date: Immediate upon passage (Sec. 3 states the resolution takes effect immediately).

Notes on impact

This is a ceremonial resolution, primarily symbolic recognition rather than policy change.

Aims to honor leadership in LGBTQ+ advocacy, celebrate cultural contributions, and elevate the profile of DC Black Pride and its mission.

Could positively influence community morale, public visibility of LGBTQ+ organizations, and ongoing fundraising and partnership opportunities by foregrounding Bush’s work and the Center’s role.