Ebony Pyramid Entertainment
Yesterday! Today! Tomorrow!
Ebony Pyramid Entertainment was founded in 1999 in Washington, DC by a veteran entertainer and businessman, DaJuan M. Xavier. Ebony Pyramid Entertainment (EPE) was established as a subsidiary of NEMO, Inc., a 29 year old incorporated entertainment production company. EPE was formed to primarily serve the African-American Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community’s entertainment needs on an upscale level. In addition to providing quality services to its supporters, EPE wanted to dedicated and generate charitable funds for HIV/AIDS organizations, female health and welfare concerns, Gay and Lesbian outreach programs, and African-American wellness.
In celebrating it’s first anniversary, EPE launched its now signature event, “The Black Gay and Lesbian Pride: Caribbean Cruisin’ – Bahamas.” The vision of the event was to create a social and networking venu, such as Prides held in major cities, but to do it on a cruise. Although the description of the event states “Black” and “LGBT” it does not mean that it is exclusively for that group, but that everyone is invited to join and celebrate the Pride. This has proven true, as many guests have brought their family members, friends, and children to the cruise event. The cruise event has been a great success. In its first year, 2000, there were 35 guests. In 2001, the second year grew to 50 guests. Just when EPE thought 50 guests was a great number, 2002 jumped to a miraculous number of 250 guests. Now EPE cruise event enjoys approximately 300 guests, plus its Miami and Bahamas attendees.
Why has the EPE cruise proven successful? According to Mr. Xavier, it is the power of networking. His belief is in order to succeed, you need to build a great team and you need to have strong relationships. Early on, Mr. Xavier enlisted the support of his associate, DJ “Shade”, as Manager of Operations, to help build the growth seen from 2001 to 2002. When the growth occurred in 2002, Mr. Xavier enlisted the support of some other associates and long-time friends, A. Louis Washington, D. J. Jenkins, and J. J. Wilcox, who helped catapult EPE cruise to where it is today. In 2003, EPE made a welcome addition to its Executive Staff, with Lisa “Legendary” Brown and T. T. Chappelle, to represent its female demographics.
Another strong point of EPE cruise and events is its quality entertainers. This factor is credited to the vision of Mr. Xavier and his pioneer directors, Pierre’ and J. J. Wilcox. EPE prides itself on the ability of seeking out the best LGBT performers across the country and showcasing them on its cruise and other venues. Because EPE’s initial goal was to provide quality entertainment, it sought to make everyone a star when it created its slogan, “Where You’re The Main Attraction!”
With the cruise being EPE’s signature event, EPE also produced and supported other ventures. EPE has produced the EPE Pageantry System, EPE Talent Showcase, traveling Pride receptions, and Bayou Fest – New Orleans, Louisiana. EPE had the honor to host Bayou Fest, prior to the tragic and unforgettable levy break. EPE has also supported and sponsored various Prides, such as DC, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Chicago.
Out of all of the events, EPE has produced and supported, it takes the most pride in events such as support to LGBTQ youth programs, such as SMYAL, in Washington, DC, The AIDS Walk, HRC, NAACP, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on The Mall, breast cancer awareness, and a larger list that cannot be posted, but should not be minimize because of it. Because of the commitment EPE and Mr. Xavier have for the LGBT Community, Mr. Xavier formed and launched a new non-profit organization, Just As I Am Foundation, Inc., to serve as a national resource and referral organization to make all services known and available to those in need wherever they may be or go.
The next major goal of EPE is looking forward to its 10th anniversary of the cruise. EPE would like to fill the entire ship. To achieve this goal, EPE needs the support of organizations and its guests. EPE need to show the cruise line it can generate numbers. The challenge to this is that each year upwards to a couple of hundred guests book outside EPE, with the thought that they are saving, but in reality they’re not because they do not get to enjoy all of the private events onboard and off the ship. It is because of those private events, staff, entertainment, and operations that the cost is higher. But, outside bookers continue and wonder why they are not allowed into events, EPE supporters have paid for. So, EPE requests that guests support them in its effort to grow and keep a quality event within the Black LGBT Community.
Staying strong and continuing to provide quality events to the public, EPE is proud to announce the newest of major events to the LGBT Community, “LA Action!” LA Action is set for November 2008, during Veterans Day Weekend, in Los Angeles, California. Stay tuned!
Thank you for supporting EPE and know that you are appreciated because at EPE it’s “Where You’re The Main Attraction!”