-From the Desk of King D-Miami Correspondent
Orlando Black Pride (OBP) has it kind of rough, as far as being one of the Prides that falls kind of crazy on the Gay Calendar. It’s right after Sizzle weekend in Miami and during the world-famous Gay Days. In addition, OBP has to compete with all the area attractions, Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens. With this all in mind, I would think the OBP promoters would work even harder to make sure their events went off without a hitch. But unfortunately, a continuing trend this year, the Black Prides are disappointing.
Friday night, was at Club Mansion with a special appearance by Jackie-O. Club Mansion is a nice spot, parking was at a premium due to the large crowds, and drinks very reasonable. The line was long at first but moved at a good clip. And guess what, the cover charge was only $10 before 10:30pm. No complaints…at least until I got into the club. DJ Surreal- a South Florida DJ, was doing her thang. But for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why everyone was just looking around , not dancing and enjoying themselves. Did I need to remind them that this was a pride event and this was their moment to have a good time, whether you’re straight, gay, lesbian, or transgender? I guess they also didn’t’ realize that due to Orlando law, drinks can only be served until 2am. That is when you sober up and realize the boy you have been looking at all night is a HOT MESS and you decide to call it a night, alone. But I guess most of the party goers didn’t get the memo. Who did get the memo, was the six punks who decided to take it upon themselves to have a HUGE brawl near center stage, which stopped the party and had the MC, Ms. Sexy , yelling “SECURITY, SECURITY!” over the loud speakers and the rest of us getting out the way, so we wouldn’t get hit.
Some pride, and some unity. A Hot Mess! Unlike, many of Daryl Wilson’s celebrity events in D.C., Jackie-O did show up. But that was after an hour and a half of waiting and being told she would be on-stage in a few minutes. Plus she has the nerve to show up on stage with a drink in her hand, giving us the hint that this was not going to be her best performance or going to meet our expectations of being a great show. I guess my clue to leave was when the guy (a cute shawty) next to me, asked me who she was. That was exit cue, Stage right…to the exit!
All I can say is disappointing. I didn’t even bother to attend Saturday night event. But to be honest, I have been going to Orlando for a long time. I have never been to club in Orlando and not see a fight occur. Must be something in the water there. But what made it even worse, was that we were here to celebrate something more than our petty differences; enjoy something we all had in common. We are about to elect a Black President who actually support our causes, the OBP promoters organized a so-so event, and you decide to fight at the club. Show some class, please!
Orlando Black Pride: A Hot Mess! Jackie-O and Club Mansion