Dr. Durryle Brooks has been announced as the new head of the Center for Black Equity – Baltimore, a nonprofit group that aims to foster the local black LGBTQ community. He fills the vacancy left by Carlton R. Smith, the group’s founder.

Dr. Brooks is a native Baltimorean whose research has looked health disparities at the intersection of race and sexuality, locally as well as nationally.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the Center for Black Equity,” said Brooks. “As a black gay man from Baltimore, I know the beauty and the challenge of being part of the LGBTQ community. My role will allow me to provide support and personal development opportunities to a community that is deserving of respect, affirmation, and love. Baltimore Black Pride, the organizations premiere event, is a space for the community to come together, tear down barriers, build each other up, and create new connections to interrupt the negative health outcomes associated with isolation and marginalization.”

The group also announced two new boardmembers: Donte Hilliard and Kibibi Matthews-Brown.

The primary 2018 Baltimore Black Pride events will take place from October 5th through 7th.

Learn more at Cbebaltimore.org.