* Hollywood actor Wendell James, best known for his role as the “Hollywood Husband” to Emmy nominated actress Kym Whitley on the docu-series “Raising Whitley” on the Oprah Winfrey Network has been appointed Grand Marshal for the 33rd Annual Long Beach Pride Parade.
The parade will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 10:30a.m., starting at the corner of Lindero Avenue and Ocean Blvd., in Long Beach, California.
James decided to use his celebrity to be a voice and a positive force within the LGBTQ community by asking the tough questions and raising awareness to sensitive issues that affect all.
This decision came on the heels of a heartfelt episode of “Raising Whitley”, where James painfully reveals his longtime struggle with his sexuality and his religious beliefs.
The overwhelming outpour of support and appreciation for Wendell in revealing his truth compelled him to become more voicetress in his efforts.
See clip of the episode here:
“We all have some sort of struggle in life and we all want to be heard, but some people are just too afraid to speak out for fear of what others may think. I lived with my struggle long enough until I spoke out and not only did it help me but, it helped others, so I decided to use my platform to speak for those who can’t”, says James.
The parade and two day festival produced by the Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Pride, Inc, are two of the largest events held in the City of Long Beach. Last year more than 80,000 people attended the much anticipated weekend and this year has already shown signs of attracting an even larger crowd.
In addition to raising awareness to diversity and human rights within the LGBTQ Community, the weekend has an economic impact of over 9.7 million dollars to the greater Long Beach area and raises over $100,000, of which is granted to non-profit organizations serving the Long Beach Community.
The festival will be held Saturday May 21st and Sunday, May 22, 2016 at the beautiful Marina Green & Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach, CA where attendees will enjoy an entire weekend of great music, performances, food, celebrities and vendors. To learn more visit them at www.LongBeachPride.com
About Wendell James
As a actor and Hollywood personality, in addition to his role on the docu-series “Raising Whitley”, Wendell has also appeared in the movie “35 and Ticking” produced by Kym E. Whitley and Russ Par, Frankies Jewels, and Dirty Laundry. Reality series: Breaking the Band and My Super Sweet 16.
For several years, Wendell was a popular red carpet host in Hollywood before going on to host the “Talking with Wendell” radio show on KCAA Some of his most memorable interviews throughout his hosting career included: Dan Rather, Gayle King, Forest Whitaker, Brook Shields, Macy Gray, The Black Eyed Peas, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tina Marie, Loretta Devine, Alfre Woodard, Niecy Nash, Lynn Whitfield and Omarosa to name a few.
Other credits include: Off-Broadway Play “Sex, Relationships and Sometimes Love” at the Actor Playpen in Hollywood.
source:
Reid Johnson
[email protected]
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