About Us | NEPC Board | Letter from Chair

OUR MISSION

Newark-Essex Pride Coalition, Inc. (NEPC) will examine, exhibit and advance the socio-cultural environment of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) constituents in the City of Newark and surrounding metropolitan area.

OUR PURPOSE

Newark-Essex Pride Coalition, Inc.(NEPC) will work with community stakeholders to showcase a celebration of LGBTIQ pride during Newark-Essex Pride Week.

OUR VISION

Newark-Essex Pride Coalition, Inc. (NEPC) is committed to encouraging, advocating and supporting those who value diversity and a collective vision of the City of Newark and Essex County as a safe environment for LGBTIQ people.

OUR HISTORY

Newark-Essex Pride Coalition is a 501c3 alliance working to ensure that the social and cultural needs of LGBTIQ constituents in the City of Newark and Essex County are supported.

NEPC is a member of Newark Pride Alliance (NPA), the umbrella advocacy organization for all LGBTIQ organizations in Newark. Newark Essex Pride Week began in 2004, from a proactive conversation among LGBTIQ stakeholders in Newark surrounding enhancing social activities for its constituents. Newark-Essex Pride Coalition has been thriving ever since.

Newark-Essex Pride Week 2008 featured a Pride Parade down Halsey Street in historical Halsey Village. Many artists including vocalist Ultra Nate, spoken word artist Baron and performer Ms. Gay New Jersey displayed their wonderful talents at Newark-Essex Pride Fest. Political figures Newark's Honorable Mayor Cory Booker and Councilman Ron Rice as well as 29th Legislative District Honorable Senator Teresa Ruiz offered words of encouragement throughout the week. Fire & Ink Press provided amazing literary works and commentary featuring authors Lisa C. Moore, James Earl Hardy and Kai Wright just to name a few. The NEPC Awards Dinner was an extravagant event honoring the community leaders past and present. Newark-Essex Pride Week adjourned with spiritual awakening provided by Liberation in Truth Unity Fellowship Church.

OUR FUTURE

We have come a long way since 2004 and will strive for a higher level of achievement in order to provide a safe place for our LGBTIQ constituents in Newark and Essex County. Newark-Essex Pride Coalition looks forward to our 6th YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN 2010!!! We appreciate your continued support!!!