On Thursday, June 22nd, 2006, the community lost a great advocate and crusader, Berrita Renee Parker. She was a strong advocate for lesbians in the 70's and the infant stages of the Gay Rights Movement in Washington. She challenged clubs and organizations on their policies towards black lesbians and later those living with disabilities.

Ms. Parker was a native Washingtonian who loved helping people, and took great pride in her causes. She was an activist who lobbied for black lesbians in the city to be included in all aspects of the community. Through her knowledge and connection with the internet, Ms. Parker became the bridge of communication for many women not privy to information affecting their community. She was an outstanding member of the social group Best of Washington for many years, contributor to the Soft and Wet Afternoon (which has been running over a decade), president of the Black Lesbian S upport Group (BLSG), and an active part of Sophisticated Ladies Productions.

Berrita had many talents, including expertise in the fields of information technology (IT), financial consultation and event promotion.

Berrita always reminded everyone of where we came from as a community and how far we need to go. She was honored last year by BLSG with the Griot (Keeper of our History) Award.

Berrita never allowed her disabilities to be a hindrance to progress nor did she allow them to keep her down.

In recent years, she was a strong advocate for a hidden part of our community - those with disabilities. Even though she had pulmonary hypertension, degenerative arthritis, used bottled oxygen and an electric wheelchair, she never let being a person living with disabilities stop her. For its June 25th, 2004 edition, the Washington Blade printed an article on gays with disabilities where Berrita said "A lot of [gay] social events aren't accessible or smoke free."

Ten years ago, Ms. Parker was the co-coordinator of DC Black Pride and made sure the women were represented in all phases of the planning. She continued to work with Black Pride long after as a board member and then as a volunteer. A few weeks before her death, Berrita volunteered outdoors from her wheelchair in the hot sun for the Black Pride festival. She enjoyed greeting people with a smile and directing them where to go.

When the story is told for future generations, Berrita will be a part of our history. She now belongs to the ages.

She is what Black Pride is all about.