Hidden Gems: Meet Johanna Perez of Reclaiming Us A Black Pride Wellness Movement

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Perez.

Johanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey didn’t start with an organization, it started with lived experience, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it means to navigate spaces where you don’t always feel seen, supported, or safe.

For over 25 years, my work has centered around community, advocacy, and creating spaces where people, especially Black LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, and their families can show up fully as themselves. I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that come with identity, health, and systemic barriers, and those experiences shaped my purpose.

In 2018, I founded Vegas Black Pride®, which quickly became a historic and impactful platform, including one of the first Pride festivals on the Las Vegas Strip. That work showed me not only the power of visibility, but also the responsibility of building something meaningful for the community. Because of that outcome, I was honored with a city proclamation declaring October 25th as Johanna P. Perez Day, reinforcing that this work leaves a lasting legacy.

As my work evolved, I realized Pride alone wasn’t enough. Our communities needed healing, wellness, and year round support. That vision led to the creation of Reclaiming Us: A Black Pride Wellness Movement. A model that centers mental health, community care, cultural pride, and safe spaces for both youth and parents.

Today, I serve as Founder & Executive Director of Reclaiming Us, producing both Vegas Black Pride® and San Bernardino County Black Pride™, while expanding programming that includes wellness activations, community outreach, and culturally grounded events across California and Nevada.

Everything I build is rooted in one intention to create spaces where our communities don’t just gather, but truly heal, connect, and thrive. And I see this work not as a moment, but as a movement that will continue long after me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth. Building spaces for Black LGBTQ+ communities means navigating systemic barriers and misconceptions. Early on, I faced a lack of resources and had to convince partners why this movement mattered. There were legal hurdles, too. Protecting our brand and ensuring our history is honored hasn’t always been easy. But every challenge only reinforced the need for these safe spaces. The struggles became fuel for building something lasting and expansive.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Reclaiming Us A Black Pride Wellness Movement ?
Beyond our Pride events, our movement operates year round, creating intentional spaces for connection, healing, and community care. Through our Kids Health & Wellness Fun Days, we empower youth with resources, wellness, and creative expression, while Love Thy Neighbor strengthens direct support and community connection. TRANS-arity centers advocacy and visibility for the trans community, and through Drop the Guns, Pick Up a Ball, we address gun violence by offering safe, engaging alternatives for youth. We also incorporate HIV prevention through education, resources, and access to care, meeting our communities with what they need most.

In less than a year, we’ve engaged over 6,000 community members, provided more than 950 meals, distributed 300+ care packages, and reached over 970,000 digitally, all while producing 20 community events and activations alongside 51 partners across Nevada and California.

At our core, we create safe spaces for Black LGBTQ+ youth, families, and allies, ensuring that everything we build is rooted in wellness, prevention, and lasting impact; shaping not just moments, but a legacy of healing, visibility, and community care.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t just a milestone; it’s a continuous reflection of the lives we’ve touched. When Black LGBTQ+ youth and families feel truly safe, seen, and empowered; when our events spark healing and connection; then we’re successful. Each time we reclaim a space where our community thrives, that’s success in motion.

Pricing:

• Legacy Sponsor (Presenting Sponsor – Per Activation) • Investment: $2,500 – $7,500 • Supports one full community activation (e.g., Love Thy Neighbor, Kids Health & Wellness Fun Day, TRANS-arity, Drop the Guns,Pick Up a Ball) • Includes prominent brand visibility, on site recognition, and direct community engagement
• Wellness Partner • Investment: $1,000 – $2,500 • Supports key program elements such as meals, care packages, youth resources, and wellness activities • Includes logo placement and acknowledgment across event materials
• Community Impact Supporter (In Kind Sponsorship) • Donations of goods (meals, wellness resources, etc.) • Directly supports community care and event experiences
• Reclaiming Us Tour Stop Sponsor • Investment: Custom (starting at $5,000+) • Supports a designated tour stop across multi city activations in California and Nevada • Includes expanded brand visibility, multi event integration, and deeper community engagement opportunities
• Media Sponsor • In kind / Promotional Exchange • Provides media coverage, digital promotion, press features, or on air visibility • Includes designation as an official media partner and access to event coverage opportunities

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ReclaimingUs.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reclaimingusmovement?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/sbcblackpride?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr