Earnest Simpkins, president of Twin Cities Black Pride, is stepping down ahead of a move to the east coast for grad school. Current vie president of the organization, Dejuar Gamble, will fill in as president and Will Gordon will become interim vice president. A member of the International Federation of Black Prides, TCBP encountered some struggles in the last few years, but under the leadership of Simpkins and other dedicated community members, the organization seems to be getting its footing and last year, it held events almost every month.

Here’s Simpkins’ letter to the community regarding his resignation and future plans:

Dear Friends, Family, Community Members, Supporters and Allies,

After much consideration, I have decided to resign from my position as President of Twin Cities Black Pride effective immediately. However, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition for Twin Cities Black Pride and will continue to work very closely with Vice-President, Dejuar Gamble who will be stepping up as President and Will Gordon who will serve as the interim Vice-President.

This is indeed a bittersweet transition for myself too. After investing so much of myself into Twin Cities Black Pride these past two years, I realize how difficult it is to part with it, but it is time for me to bid a fond farewell to this era of my life and follow my heart to a new adventure, but I leave so honored to have had the great opportunity to serve the community in the way I have been blessed to during my term as president. I have decided to move to the east coast where I will pursue my masters in public health.

I also leave peacefully, knowing that Twin Cities Black Pride is in good hands:

Dejuar has demonstrated unfailing commitment and exemplary leadership since she joined the organization earlier this year. That is why it came to no surprise that the committee unanimously voted for Dejuar to step in as Vice-President earlier this year. It has truly been a privilege to have worked with such an amazing woman!

Will has volunteered in the past for Twin Cities Black Pride. He has a background in community organizing and activism on a college level and was very instrumental in making the queer community at Macalester College more inclusion for people of color. I have also had the great pleasure of working with this talented young man and have seen first-hand how he has helped transform an entire community.

I have no doubts that both Dejuar and Will will take Twin Cities Black Pride to the next level and I am eternally grateful for both of them for taking on such a great responsibility and obligation to the community. I have worked with both of these extraordinary individuals and have seen the fervor they have for empowering our local black LGBT and allied communities. That is why I optimistically welcome Dejuar Gamble and Will Gordon as the leaders of this next era of Twin Cities Black Pride. Onward and Upward!

As I bid a fond farewell to Twin Cities Black Pride, I am also bidding adieu to the Twin Cities, but will never forget all of you who have poured into my life with your support, guidance, words of wisdom, pushing me out of my comfort zone and believing in me and my vision. So, in light of where I have come these past two years and where I am going I want to give the most sincerest and FIERCEST thank you to Henry Allen, Ernest Hopkins (Washington, DC), George Bellinger Jr. (New York New York), Earl Fowlkes Jr. (Washington, DC), Dennis Anderson, Roxanne Anderson, Howard Ellis, Juan Jackson, Harry Waters Jr., Kanton Clemens, Rev. Gina Varner, Sam McClure, L.T. Richardson, Cedric “Cmurf ” Harris, Todd Bierbrauer, Jason Jackson, Dejuar Gamble, Roderic Southall, Cheryl Maloney, Kathy Thomas, Gwen Velez, Aaron Burks, Peggy Darrett-Brewer, Lady L., Kevin Moore and so many others…

Truly my life has changed for the better just by crossing paths with each and everyone of you. I am so honored and privileged to have known you all. “Thank You!”

Sincerely,
Earnest Simpkins