Darnell Perkins Recognition Resolution of 2025

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

June 3, 2025

To recognize honoree Darnell Perkins during the 2025 celebration of DC Black Pride.

WHEREAS, Darnell Perkins is a culinary entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and
philanthropist, whose dynamic presence has shaped D.C.’s social and dining scenes for over 20
years;

WHEREAS, Darnell Perkins is known as “The Ultimate Host,” and blends Southern
tradition with cosmopolitan flair, most notably through his acclaimed restaurant DARNELL’s;

WHEREAS, in August 2025, Darnell Perkins will expand with DARNELL’s at the
Museum in historic Anacostia, a celebration of global culture and fine cuisine;

WHEREAS, Darnell Perkins is on the boards of organizations supporting women and
families in need;

WHEREAS, with deep roots in Ward 7, Darnell Perkins’ work reflects a commitment to
culture, community, and authentic hospitality;

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”;

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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;

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 “Darnell Perkins Recognition Resolution of 2025”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and celebrates Darnell Perkins
during the 2025 celebration of DC Black Pride.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.