Atlanta Pride, the largest free Pride festival in the United States, is proud to announce Congressman Dr. Everton Blair Jr., who represents Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, as the Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2026 Atlanta Pride Festival, taking place October 10-11 in Piedmont Park.

Blair was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on September 1, 2026, following his election to represent Georgia’s 13th Congressional District. His service marks a historic milestone as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress from Georgia.

“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. “His historic service as Georgia’s first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress is a powerful reflection of the progress our community has made and the importance of LGBTQ+ people being visible at every level of leadership. We are honored to celebrate him and welcome him to Atlanta Pride this October.”

Born and raised in Gwinnett County, Blair is an educator, lifelong resident of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, and the son of Jamaican immigrants. Before entering Congress, he served on the Gwinnett County Board of Education, where he became its first Black and youngest-ever member and later served as Board Chair. His tenure included helping govern Georgia’s largest public school system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to his service on the Board of Education, Blair taught high school mathematics in Atlanta Public Schools and worked with President Barack Obama’s White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, training school leaders across the country. He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a Doctor of Education Leadership from Harvard University, as well as a master’s degree in Policy, Organization, and Leadership from Stanford University.

The Honorary Grand Marshal distinction recognizes an individual whose leadership, visibility, and service hold particular significance for Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community. Blair will join Atlanta Pride’s 2026 Grand Marshals as part of this year’s celebration under the theme “Louder & Prouder.”

The 2026 Atlanta Pride Festival will take place October 10-11, 2026, in Piedmont Park, bringing together hundreds of thousands of attendees for two days of entertainment, community programming, the Atlanta Pride Marketplace and the annual Atlanta Pride Parade. The festival is free and open to the public.

To learn more about Atlanta Pride, visit https://atlantapride.org/