Montgomery Pride United is the collective effort of many people in many places across many years. Here are some of those folks who make things happen.
Our Directors
Meta Ellis (she/her, they/them) | Executive Director
Meta Ellis has been a life-long activist for human and animal rights here in Montgomery as well as California, Arizona, Ohio, and Washington, DC. Meta is the Director of Montgomery Pride United and the co-founder of the Bayard Rustin Community Center. They are passionate about working to help create the Beloved Community as we strive for equality for all. Meta was also selected to represent Alabama in USA Today’s “State By State: Faces of Pride” June 30, 2017 edition, and co-recipient of the 2018 Billy Jack Gaither Humanitarian Award.
Emma McDaniel-Ellis (Ms. Harvey McDaniel) (she/her)| Educational Director; Director of South Eastern Queer Arts
Emma McDaniel-Ellis is a Human and Civil Rights Advocate and Activist who uses her voice to raise awareness of the discrimination against sexual and gender minorities. She is the Educational Outreach Director for Montgomery PRIDE United, co-founder of the Bayard Rustin Community Center, and Director of South Eastern Queer arts. She has spoken in numerous conferences about the importance of inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+ persons – especially transgender persons – in all aspects of society. She has testified before the Alabama House of Representatives Health Committee advocating for transgender rights, helps co-facilitate several support groups, and was also a co-recipient of the 2018 Billy Jack Gaither Humanitarian Award.
Marco Mays (he/him) | Program Director
Our Staff
Margeaux Hartline (she/her) | Administrative assistant
Margeaux has been an Alabama resident for over 20 years. Along with being on Montgomery Pride United’s administrative staff, Margeaux is an LGBT rights activist and an advocate for reproductive rights. She is also the media liaison for a Montgomery-based pro-choice organization called P.O.W.E.R. House. Before coming to Montgomery Pride United, Margeaux was a case manager for the Yellowhammer Fund. She is passionate about horticulture, animals, and the arts.
L.D. Sykes (he/him) | Administrative staff
L. D. is an Army Veteran, former State of Alabama employee, and a volunteer member of the Administrative Staff for Montgomery Pride United and one of the keynote speakers when addressing the public. He is also an Elder in his church, a member of ADODI – same gender loving men of African descent who love men with dignity, honor and respect – and a Delegate for the Alabama Democrats representing the Black LGBTQ+ community. L.D. is especially adept at introducing LGBTQ+ history to students and educating them in facets of history that are not main-stream knowledge. He has an infectious laugh and a loving personality which instantly brightens up a room.