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CER26-0052 • 2025

Dr. David Johns Recognition Resolution of 2025

Dr. David Johns Recognition Resolution of 2025

Education
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Parker
Last action
2025-07-11
Official status
Approved
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide detailed information on how this resolution affects participants in the DC Black Pride event beyond recognizing Dr. Johns during the event.

Resolution Honoring Dr. David Johns

This resolution honors Dr. David Johns for his contributions to education and civil rights during the 2025 DC Black Pride celebration.

What This Bill Does

  • Recognizes Dr. David Johns as an important figure in education policy and equity advocacy.
  • Celebrates Dr. Johns' work with the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) and his role in uplifting Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Dr. David Johns
  • The District of Columbia Council members

Terms To Know

DC Black Pride
An annual celebration for the African American LGBTQIA+ community that focuses on awareness, health disparities, and support for various organizations.
NBJC
National Black Justice Coalition, an organization led by Dr. David Johns to advocate for equity and justice in the Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The resolution does not provide funding or create new laws but is a ceremonial recognition.
  • It only applies during the specific timeframe of the 2025 DC Black Pride celebration.

Bill History

  1. 2025-07-11 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    Resolution ACR26-0052, Effective from Jun 03, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 007773

  2. 2025-06-03 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    Retained by the Council

  3. 2025-06-03 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    Legislative Meeting

  4. 2025-06-03 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    Approved with Resolution Number ACR26-0052

  5. 2025-06-02 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    CER26-0052 Introduced by Councilmember Parker at Office of the Secretary

Official Summary Text

Dr. David Johns Recognition Resolution of 2025

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-52

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

June 3, 2025

To recognize honoree Dr. David Johns during the 2025 celebration of DC Black Pride.

WHEREAS, Dr. David Johns is a nationally recognized education policy expert, equity
advocate, and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC);

WHEREAS, from serving as the first Executive Director of the White House Initiative on
Educational Excellence for African Americans under President Obama to shaping policy on
Capitol Hill, Dr. David Johns has dedicated his career to uplifting Black LGBTQ+/SGL
communities;

WHEREAS, with degrees from Columbia University and a background as an elementary
school teacher, Dr. David Johns’ work blends heart and scholarship;

WHEREAS, named to Time Magazine’s 2025 “Closers” list, and recognized by BET,
Out100, Ebony, and The Root, Dr. David Johns is a bold voice at the forefront of civil rights
leadership;

WHEREAS, DC Black Pride is an annual event to increase awareness of and showcase
pride in the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ populations in the African American community, and to
support organizations that focus on health disparities, education, youth, and families;

WHEREAS, as the very first Black Pride festival in the world, DC Black Pride fostered
the beginning of the Center for Black Equity (formerly known as the International Federation of
Black Prides, Inc. (IFBP)) and the “Black Pride Movement”;

WHEREAS, since the birth of DC Black Pride, more than 50 other Black Pride
celebrations now take place throughout the world and on 4 continents, with many using DC
Black Pride as a model;

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
2

WHEREAS, May 23, 2025, through May 26, 2025, marks the 34th annual DC Black
Pride celebration;

WHEREAS, the theme for this year’s celebration is “BLACK PRIDE IS FREEDOM”;

WHEREAS, for more than 30 years, DC Black Pride has been an opportunity for the
Black LGBTQIA+ community to gather and celebrate being both African American and
members of LGBTQIA+ communities;

WHEREAS, DC Black Pride is the oldest and one of the largest Black Pride events in the
world, drawing thousands of residents and visitors from around the globe; and

WHEREAS, DC Black Pride brings more than 500,000 people to the nation’s capital
from across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, South Africa, Great Britain, France,
Germany, and the Netherlands and will carry that tradition this year and into the future to
celebrate their shared community, raise awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, and
stand against homophobia inspired by violence and bigotry.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That
this resolution be cited as the “Dr. David Johns Recognition Resolution of 2025”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and celebrates Dr. David
Johns during the 2025 celebration of DC Black Pride.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.