OUR STORY
We are a professional LGBT African American social group. ​The Friendship Movement gained its origin at an elegant cocktail party hosted by Messrs Euril Wilson and Lee Suitt on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1981. Mr. Henry Wilson, one of the enthusiastic guests thought such an affair should be attempted every year, and to get things started, grandly invited everyone to San Juan, Puerto Rico the following year.
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Surprised by the magnitude of the response, our host rose magically to the challenge of entertaining 80 mainland guests and pulled it off with tremendous flair, igniting a touch of conviviality in the hearts of all in attendance. Striving to renew this tradition at each succeeding celebration, here we are decades later, with the same gusto for life and friendship. The purpose of our Movement is in our name, “Friendship.”
OUR MISSION
For over 44 years, we have evolved from a close-knit social group into a dynamic force for positive change in the LGBT community. Our mission is to empower and uplift our communities through impactful initiatives that foster awareness, compassion, and action. We provide mentorship to our youth, helping them grow into confident, contributing citizens, and we rally support for crucial causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness and other charitable efforts. Rooted in the spirit of friendship, we create opportunities for connection, growth, and giving back, ensuring our legacy continues to inspire and make a difference.
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By donating to our 501(c)(3) organization, you help us build a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come. Together, we can create lasting change, one friendship at a time.
EVENTS
Our 45th annual reunion will be held August 21st - 23rd, 2026 at Hyatt Place National Harbor
123 Waterfront St
National Harbor, Maryland 20745
🎉SOLD OUT!!🎉
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​Some of the highlights include:
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Powerful conference series on the historical trauma of the LGBTQ+ community. Interested in being one of our speakers? CLICK HERE!
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Convene a full membership strategy session focused on expanding our social impact and leveraging the power of our collective voice to drive meaningful change in the LGBTQ+ community
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Invitations extended to local and national political figures to share strategies on how we can move the equality needle forward.
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As always, we close each reunion with a moving formal gala, where we join hands in a circle and raise our voices together in our signature songs: "That's What Friends Are For" and "We Are the World," a tradition that honors our unity, resilience, and unbreakable bond of chosen family.
READY TO JAM?
The legendary DJ Sedrick, a native of Washington DC, has deejayed nationally and internationally. He began his DJ career over 35 years ago, starting at the world-famous tracks of Washington, DC, and Tracks of Atlanta, GA. DJ Sedrick continues to energize a crowd of over 2000 patrons weekly.
Over 30 years ago, he became a fixture for the National Black Pride Association worldwide. DJ Sedrick is known for his captivating and eclectic style of music that includes tribal and gospel house and high-energy beats. Also, he is known for walking through the crowd with his mic, keeping them highly energized and fully engaged through his sound.
DJ Sedrick has received many awards for accomplishments from numerous club promoters and government officials. You can find DJ Sedrick on a weekly basis, deejaying as far north as Boston, as far South as Atlanta, as far East as Washington, DC, and as far West as California, as well as all cities/states in between.
A SOULFUL EVENING
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of soul, storytelling, and connection as acclaimed singer-songwriter Rona Rawls takes the stage at our 45th Annual Reunion. Known for her rich vocals and heartfelt performances, Rona has a unique ability to bring people together through music that speaks to love, resilience, friendship, and the journeys that shape our lives. Her authenticity, warmth, and deep appreciation for community make her a perfect fit for our Legacy celebration. Whether you're hearing her for the first time or have followed her career for years, this is the kind of performance that stays with you long after the final note.
We're proud to feature a full weekend of themes and activities:
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Friday (21st):
Registration: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Event Kick-Off with DJ Sedrick: 7:00pm - 10:00pm (Food & drinks provided)
Attire: 80s
“After Glow” Wine Down Suite: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Saturday (22nd):
Sunrise Fitness: 7:00am - 8:00am
NFM Member Meeting: 9:30am - 12:00pm
Conference Series: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Enjoy National Harbor! 3:00pm - 6:00pm (Food & drinks on your own)
Games, Grooves & Grown Folks: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Thurst Lounge - A New LGBTQ+ Experience in DC: 10:00pm - Until 2204 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Transportation on your own)
Attire: Do You!!
Sunday (23rd):
Worship Service: 9:00am - 10:00am
Museum Excursion: Bus to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture: 11:30am | Depart Museum at 3:30pm
Attire: Wear NFM T-Shirt
Cocktail Hour: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Formal Dinner Gala: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Entertainment: Rona Rawls and DJ Sedrick Attire: Formal, Black & Silver
*Agenda subject to change*
Even More Ways to Join the Fun!
Parking at the Hotel?
Click below for parking instructions.
While our roots are social, our impact is deeply transformational within the LGBTQ+ community.
At our annual reunions, we host a powerful "Conference Series" where thought leaders, activists, and wellness professionals lead discussions on issues that truly matter, like navigating family rejection, healing from historical trauma, advocating for policy change, and protecting our mental and emotional well-being. Beyond our gatherings, our local chapters take action year-round: donating clothing and funds to shelters, writing checks to AIDS foundations, organizing community fundraisers, and showing up where support is needed most. We’re not just building community, we’re building a legacy of contribution, education, and advocacy.
INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH US?
Download our sponsorship deck below:
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
TRICIA HOLT
GEORGE WOODS
BRANDY JONES
ANDRE BRADFORD
DARRYL MOORE
WENDY HERNDON
thenationalfriendshipmovement@gmail.com
313-721-7851
We have so many exciting things going on, be the first to find out! Opt in to our text alerts by texting FRIENDSHIP to (206) 704-8509
© 2026 by The National Friendship Movement - a 501c3 nonprofit