Sunday • June 2 • 11 AM • Wheelchair Accessible • FREE

(Parade viewing info and map below)

(Photos ©Batin Photography)

Although Pride is not directly centered on racial and economic justice (our North Stars at SURJ Santa Cruz County), we celebrate and uplift it each year in acknowledgement of the sad truth that queer and trans people of color are some of the most marginalized in our society and many suffer extreme discrimination, harassment, and abuse.  It was our desire to create greater acceptance and more safe spaces in our community that led to the first Rainbow Defense Coalition last year.  Members of the coalition show up at Drag Storytimes, LGBTQ+ events, and also BIPOC events where the organizers would like to have some friendly allies keeping an eye out for anything that might disrupt the mood.  

If you would like to be a part of this amazing group, please fill out this form.  We ask that you volunteer at two events per year.  We will provide any necessary training.  And we will have a contingent in the Pride Parade, so come say hello! 

For more info about the many Pride events happening this month, please click here. 

“Cheer on our Grand Marshals, watch cheerleaders, listen to bands and view a wide variety of contingents making up the largest LGBTQ+ Pride parade on the Central Coast. The Santa Cruz Pride parade and festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Plus) community in Santa Cruz County. The parade and festival is a safe and inclusive space for the queer community and their allies. You are welcome to be who you are and join the organizations, allies, supportive groups, churches, candidates, ensembles, performers, parents, children to show your pride, activism, enthusiasm and love.” 
— Santa Cruz Pride

Two Showings:
Tuesday • May 21 • Resource Center for Nonviolence • 612 Ocean St • Santa Cruz
AND
Wednesday • May 22 • Capitola Library • 2005 Wharf Rd • Capitola
6:30 PM, doors at 6:00 • FREE • wheelchair accessible

B.L.A.C.K. On Screen is a five-documentary film series focusing on the themes behind our acronym BLACK: Building Legacies of Access in Communities of Kinship.

Through June, screenings will be the 3rd Tuesday at the Resource Center for Nonviolence and the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Capitola Branch Library. Doors open at 6:00, screenings begin at 6:30. 

The Taking of Harris Neck is May’s film.

Each screening will be followed by a discussion and/or Q&A. Some of the filmmakers will be participating. Stay tuned!

ABOUT THE FILM

The stunning marshlands of Harris Neck, Georgia have a tragic history. In 1942, the US government took 2687 acres of land inhabited by descendants of freed slaves to build an airbase. The government promised to give the land back after the war. Now 80 years later the community is still fighting to get their land back. The Taking of Harris Neck tells a story of trauma and racism – and the perseverance to overcome against all odds.

The series continues with:

June 18 & 19
Descendant. Follows descendants of the survivors from the Clotilda, the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States, as they reclaim their story.

Saturday • May 18 • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM • Santa Cruz City Hall
809 Center St • Santa Cruz • Wheelchair accessible • FREE

(May is Affordable Housing Month – see many other events here)

Hosted by: Housing Matters

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, a compassionate coalition of local businesses, non-profit organizations, and hundreds of supporters will March to End Homelessness in Downtown Santa Cruz. The March is the second annual gathering organized by Housing Matters. This event is anchored in inspiring hope for actionable solutions to homelessness through the advancement of public policy. We will meet in front of Santa Cruz City Hall for a Rally featuring inspiring speakers with lived experience of homelessness, service provider partners, and County leaders. After the Rally, we will March through downtown (see attached map), and finishing with a Resource Fair. 

Register here

Thursday • May 16 • 5:30 – 8:00 PM • Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos 
1807 Soquel Ave • Santa Cruz • Wheelchair accessible • FREE

(May is Affordable Housing Month – see many other events here)

Hosted By: SANTA CRUZ BARRIOS UNIDOS

Please arrive around 5:30 for a Meet & Greet and introductions. Barrios Unidos’ Executive Director, Nane Alejandrez, will welcome everyone and then the speakers will begin at 6 PM. The speakers will each have about 15 minutes to make their presentations and then around 7:30 we will have time for Q&A and discussion.
 

PANELISTS:

Geoffrey Morgan – Geoffrey Morgan is president and CEO of CHISPA which has developed more than 1,400 affordable apartments and 800 single-family homes in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties since 1980. CHISPA manages all of its 32 apartment developments and supports apartment residents with on-site classes and community services.  Mr Morgan is responsible for CHISPA’s overall operations, strategic growth, and advocacy.  

Dr. Miriam Greenberg

Miriam Greenberg is a Professor of Sociology at UC Santa Cruz, with a research and teaching focus in critical studies of sustainability, housing, and urbanization. Currently she is interim director of the UCSC Center for Labor & Community, and co-director of the UCSC Center for Critical Urban and Environmental Studies.  Together with students, colleagues, and community partners, she is developing two new projects: “WUI Research for Resilience” explores the relationship of the California housing crisis to the growth of the Wildland Urban Interface and “An Anti-Displacement Vision for Santa Cruz” which will include a displacement risk mapping tool alongside an interactive map of anti-displacement policies and visionary initiatives throughout our region.  Miriam is a former planning commissioner for the City of Santa Cruz.
 

Julie Conway

Julie Conway got involved with affordable housing in 1983 through limited equity housing cooperatives. She has worked with nonprofit organizations, community groups and local government to address housing challenges of people facing poverty, disability, homelessness and domestic violence.  Julie retired as the Housing Manager for the County of Santa Cruz and currently chairs the City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission.
 

Matt Huerta

Matt has over 23 years of experience in affordable housing and community development. He has developed hundreds of affordable homes including rental and for sale in the Sacramento, San Francisco Bay, and Monterey Bay Areas. In his consulting capacity he serves in several leadership roles including as the Director of Northern CA for PATH Ventures, as Housing and Community Development Director for the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, and on the core statewide campaign team to Lower the Voter Threshold and Expand Allowable Uses for Local Housing Measures.
 

Register for this free event here

Saturday • May 11 • 2-5 PM • DeLaveaga Park 
Santa Cruz • Wheelchair accessible • FREE

Hosted by Ayo Banjo

The Santa Cruz Cookout is more than an event; it’s a vibrant celebration of Black life, joy, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for our community. Gather in the heart of Santa Cruz for an unforgettable day that honors the essence of Black culture, fosters community spirit, and looks forward to a future filled with hope and unity.

This year, they’re bringing the community together to enjoy:

• Delicious Cuisine: Savor mouth-watering BBQ and other culinary delights prepared by local Black-owned businesses, celebrating the rich flavors of our heritage.
• Live Performances: Be moved by the powerful rhythms and melodies of local Black artists and performers, showcasing the diverse talent within our community.
• Youth Engagement: Engage in fun and educational activities designed to inspire our young ones, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
• Community Dialogues: Participate in meaningful discussions on topics that matter to us, from cultural heritage to paving the way for future generations.
• Charitable Focus: In the spirit of giving back, we’re providing free meals to families in need and highlighting local nonprofits making a difference in our community.

Special Highlights:

• Mayor’s Inauguration: Join us as the Mayor of Santa Cruz officially opens the event, reinforcing our city’s commitment to celebrating Black culture and community.
• Pie Baking Contest: Witness or participate in the joy of baking as we crown this year’s pie-baking champion, a delicious testament to our culinary traditions.

The Santa Cruz Cookout is a call to come together in support and joy, to recognize the beauty of Black culture, and to contribute to a future where everyone is empowered to thrive. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, this day promises to be a memorable celebration of who we are and all that we can achieve together. Let’s Celebrate Black Life, Black Joy, and Black Futures – Together!

For more information and to get involved, email ayosbanjo@gmail.com