Tony Williams ’11
Photo: Charleston Pride
The 5th annual Charleston Pride Festival will begin Saturday, July 25, 2015, culminating in a parade celebrating the LGBT community on Aug. 1 that winds through downtown Charleston before ending at Brittlebank Park along the Ashley River.
In charge of this year’s events is Tony Williams ‘11, festival president, who has helped organize Charleston Pride since its humble beginnings in North Charleston, when all activities occurred on just one day. No matter its short duration that first year, the festival attracted thousands of attendees. It’s grown considerably since then, now featuring activities that include a mayoral candidate forum, a theme night at a minor league baseball game, and drag events.
Despite such explosive growth, Williams doesn’t anticipate anything slowing down soon.
“I think the festival will continue to celebrate and educate while bringing everyone in the Charleston area together,” he told the Charleston Post and Courier. “I think it will continue to be involved in the larger Charleston community and connecting with the community as a whole, bringing in our straight allies, and making sure that things keep growing into a better and larger festival.”
To learn more about this year’s events and Williams’ role in the Charleston Pride Festival, visit the Post and Courier.
