Newark-Essex Pride Coalition is an alliance comprised of several LGBTIQ organizations and supporters that cooperate in joint action to promote the  Annual Newark-Essex Pride Week as one of its major activities.

Newark-Essex Pride Coalition (NEPC) is a grassroots organization working to ensure that the social and cultural needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) constituents in the City of Newark and Essex County are supported.

Newark Essex Pride Coalition (NEPC) is a member of Newark Pride Alliance (NPA), the political body for all LGBTIQ organizations in Newark.

Newark Essex Pride Week began in 2004, from a proactive conversation among LGBTIQ bodies in Newark surrounding enhancing social activities for its constituents.

In 2004, Newark held its first Pride Week Celebration.  Although Newark's Pride Week fell between other popular pride festivals, participants were overjoyed to have Pride recognized in their own backyard.  In 2006, Newark Pride Week collabrated with Liberation in Truth's Social Justice Center and the event was renamed Newark-Essex Pride Week.

A historical moment happened in June 2007.  The rainbow flag flew high over Newark's City Hall as Honorable Mayor Cory Booker and Central Ward Councilwoman Dana Rone honored and celebrated Newark-Essex Pride Week.

Today, Newark-Essek Pride Coalition operates in collaboration with may organizations and individuals who believe in the purpose of Newark-Essex Pride Week as a venue to celebrate the LGBTIQ experience in Newark and Essex County.

06.11.07 Flag Raising at Newark City Hall

OUR MISSION

The mission of Newark-Essex Pride Coalition (NEPC) is to examine, exhibit and advance  the socio-cultural environment of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) community in the City of Newark and surrounding municipalities in Essex County.  NEPC is dedicated to working with local businesses, churches, community health organizations and local artists to showcase Newark-Essex Pride Week, an annual celebration of LGBTIQ pride.  Newark-Essex Pride Week reflects the legacy and continuing accomplishments of the LGBTIQ community in Essex County.  Our programming serves as a unifying mechanism to bring a multi-generational, multi-ethnic population together. 

Newark-Essex Pride Coalition (NEPC) is committed to creating a safer space for the LGBTIQ community; building coalitions and alliances throughout the City of Newark and surrounding areas; educating youth about their history as LGBTIQ people of color, as well as addressing their unique needs; advocating and encouraging cooperation and support from all who value diversity and a collective vision of the City of Newark and Essex County as a safe community for all. 

           NEWARK-ESSEX PRIDE WEEK 2008

Newark-Essex Pride Week is an annual event in Newark, New Jersey held during the second week of June. Formerly, it was recognized as Newark Pride Week. Newark-Essex Pride Week reflects the historic roots and remains the only annual event in Essex County specifically targeting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) residents. 


Click here for more information about Newark-Essex Pride Week 2008.