BLAQToBERFEST —also known as BLAQtober MKE Pride—is a transformative fall celebration that honors and empowers Black and Brown individuals within the queer community. The three-day weekend will spotlight cultural expression, wellness education, and collective action, all in service of advancing health equity.
“This weekend is about joy, belonging, and building the conditions for our communities to thrive,” said Ricardo Wynn, founder of Empowering Community Action Initiative and BLAQToBERFEST.
“By uniting culture with access to resources and care, BLAQToBERFEST creates an affirming space for connection – and a launchpad for action on health and social justice within the greater LGBTQ community.”
This year’s theme, Rooted in Power – Healing, Heritage, and Hope – underscores intergenerational strength and the reclamation of wellness as a form of resistance.
Programming will include:
- Opening Ceremony & Cultural Showcase featuring music, dance, and House & Ballroom talent
- Wellness Sessions on mental health, fitness, nutrition, and self-care led by local clinicians and educators
- Community Resource Fair with health services, housing, education and employment resources
- Community Dialogue on health equity, social justice and civic engagement
- Youth-Inclusive Activities to foster cultural pride and healthy living for teens and families
- Community Ball & Day Party celebrating heritage, achievement and community resilience
- Closing Ceremony to reflect, regroup and recommit to collective action
“BLAQToBERFEST is a labor of love—created by and for our communities,” Wynn added. “We’re cultivating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and equipped to shape solutions together.”
The story behind the story
“Starting BLAQToBERFEST was important because Milwaukee had gone more than 10 years without any form of Black Pride or celebration of Black queer visibility,” said founder Ricardo Wynn.
“I knew it was time to be intentional about creating space for our community, especially after being part of a pre-COVID planning meeting that aimed to revive Black Pride. Unfortunately, those efforts were cut short by the pandemic.
At that time, I was invited by one of the organizers to help lead the initiative, but I hesitated. As the years passed, I came to realize just how urgent the need truly was, the need for safe, affirming, and joyful spaces where BLAQ (Black and Brown, Latino, Allies, and Queer communities) and SGL people could not only come together but also thrive. One event alone is not enough. What we need is an ecosystem of spaces that foster connection, celebrate culture, and nurture healing.
My research led me to the Center for Black Equity in Washington, D.C., which became the starting point of this journey. Their support, combined with encouragement from leaders and community members across Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and beyond, has made it possible for me to step into this leadership role. Together, we are shaping what this movement can become.”
The 2024 initiative engaged 100+ participants over multiple days, including a focus group of community members whose insights helped shape this year’s experience.
Survey data showed 45 percent of respondents felt safer and more connected simply by being in QPOC-centered spaces. The initiative paired celebration with access to critical services – 80+ attendees were registered to vote, 20+ participants strengthened ballot navigation skills, and 80+ surveys informed future programming. BLAQtober 2025 continues that model, integrating celebration, education and services to expand impact.
To advance health equity goals, BLAQToBERFest will again integrate free on-site HIV/STI testing, harm-reduction tools and warm handoffs to prevention and treatment services with trusted partners. Peer educators will be on site to reduce stigma and increase engagement, with post-event follow-up to support continuity of care.
“With BLAQToBERFEST, I am deeply intentional about building capacity and laying a strong foundation,” said Wynn. My vision is for this celebration to grow into something larger year after year, something that continues to honor, empower, and uplift our community in lasting ways.”
The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project is proud to sponsor photography costs for this annual event, as part of an ongoing commitment to ensure the histories of Black and Brown queer communities are documented, protected, and preserved within our shared heritage. Additional local sponsors include the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, MKE Vogue Nights, Our Lives Media, Vivent Health, and Cream City Foundation.
Get Involved & Stay Connected
For updates, programming details, and volunteer/sponsorship opportunities, contact Ricardo Wynn at ecaimke@gmail.com or 1-414-308-9377.
Follow BlaQtoberfest on Instagram.
About Empowering Community Action Initiative (ECAI)
Empowering Community Action Initiative (ECAI) is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to creating safe, affirming spaces and advancing health equity for marginalized communities. Through culturally responsive programming, partnerships, and data-informed advocacy, ECAI connects community members to resources that promote wellness, resilience, and civic engagement.