ATLANTA — Just weeks after making history in Congress, Dr. Everton Blair Jr. has been named the Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2026 Atlanta Pride Festival.
Atlanta Pride announced that Blair, who recently won a special election to complete the late Rep. David Scott’s term representing Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, will be recognized during this year’s festival Oct. 10-11 in Piedmont Park.
Blair was sworn into office on Sept. 1 and became Georgia’s first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress. His election marked a historic moment for the state and added a new chapter to a political career that began in Gwinnett County.
“Congressman Blair’s leadership and commitment to public service have deep roots right here in Georgia, and we are proud to recognize him as our 2026 Honorary Grand Marshal,” said Chris McCain, executive director of Atlanta Pride.
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Before heading to Washington, Blair served on the Gwinnett County Board of Education, where he became both the board’s first Black member and youngest-ever member before later serving as chair. He also taught high school mathematics in Atlanta Public Schools and worked with former President Barack Obama’s White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans.
Atlanta Pride said the Honorary Grand Marshal distinction recognizes individuals whose leadership, visibility and service have special significance to the LGBTQ+ community.
Blair will be honored during this year’s festival, which carries the theme “Louder & Prouder.”
The Atlanta Pride Festival, billed as the largest free Pride festival in the nation, is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of attendees to Piedmont Park for two days of entertainment, community programming, and the annual Pride Parade.
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