[1] The exclusion of people of color in gay pride events is perceived by some to play into existing undertones of white superiority and racist political movements.
On October 13, 2013, CBE president Earl Fowles, along with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, announced a name change from IFBP to the Center for Black Equity.
Though the organization began as a way to support the network of black gay pride celebrations worldwide, CBE now also focuses on social justice issues as well.
The coalition saw a need to organize the twenty-plus Black Prides in the United States and abroad for the purpose of developing sponsorship strategies, providing technical assistance, networking, mentoring, and supporting one another.
The event was partially inspired by a group of black gay friends who decided to have annual Labor Day picnics together at Piedmont Park.