Newark Pride Inc. announced the appointment of its new President of the Board of Directors, Sharronda Wheeler. Sharronda, well-known in the Greater Newark LGBTQ community by her nickname “Love,” joined the Newark Pride Committee in 2013 and joined its Board of Directors in 2014. Sharronda proved her value to Newark Pride quickly and has made an incredible impact on the organization in just two years. In 2015 she became part of the executive committee of the Board and was confirmed as the incoming President for 2016 last month. Sharronda takes the helm of Newark Pride after 10 years of progress, at a time when the organization is strong and attendance at Pride Week events is at its highest level ever.
Perris Straughter resigned as President of the Board effective October 1st, 2015. When he took over Newark Pride in 2012 the former Board of Directors had all left due to a variety of circumstances outside of their control and he had to rebuild much of the organization’s infrastructure. Fortunately, many new and old faces in Greater Newark’s LGBTQ Community emerged to help him and support Newark Pride. Perris has previously served as a founding member of the Board of Newark-Essex Pride Coalition and led the organization for one year following the resignation of June Dowell-Burton, Founder of Newark Pride, in early 2009, after many years of activism and after she led the organization since its founding in 2005.
Perris is not leaving the organization but is only passing the torch. Perris will continue to serve on the Board of Newark Pride as the Vice President. June Dowell-Burton also has returned to Newark Pride’s Board and will continue to serve on its Executive Committee.
“Newark Pride continues to nurture and grow phenomenal leaders in Newark’s LGBTQ community,” says June. “I thank Perris for his many years of service and dedication to Newark Pride. I’m sad to see him step down, but am happy to know his loyalty and commitment remain with the organization through this transitional period. I’m excited and proud to know that Sharronda will be at the helm providing her passion and energy to continue the tradition of great leadership and community service for Newark’s LGBTQ community. We are lucky to have her.”
