In the 14th century, the word “Pagan” appeared in Middle English to describe those who believed in folk magic, simple rituals at home and the presence of the divine in all creation, derived from the Latin, paganus, just meaning “country dweller”. A few centuries later, the word was adopted by the Neo-Pagan movement to mean mostly the same thing, but without the “country dweller” part. Today, “Paganism” describes an extremely diverse group of spiritual paths that share a love for the natural world and a belief in deep interconnections between all things.
What is Pagan Pride Raleigh?
Pagan Pride Raleigh is the Central NC Chapter of the international Pagan Pride Project, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster pride in Pagan identity, and to eliminate prejudice and discrimination based on religious beliefs, all through education, activism, charity and community.
Our most important activity is hosting our autumnal celebration, the Pagan Pride Raleigh festival. Open to the general public, this festival offers both entertainment and education in the form of a large variety of social, commercial and spiritual activities. Attendees are welcome to join or observe rituals, attend workshops, meet with a variety of local groups, and and much more, all in a festival environment full of vendors, music, and fun.
The Pagan Pride Project, Inc, is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, so your donations are tax deductible.
Our Staff
Many people have volunteered their time and resources to make this event happen. Here are a few that have taken direct responsibility for key aspects of the festival:
Johnson - Co-Local Coordinator / Web Mystic
I'm Johnson and this year I am co-LC for CNCPPD with Melissa, Daddio and Brian. Both deeply spiritual and terribly irreverent, I have followed Pagan paths for about 26 years, which is amazing since I am only 24. Really. Honest.
Born in South Carolina, raised here in North Carolina, I strayed from the promised land for about 10 years, working my way up the east coast, finally settling in Maine where I fell in love and got married. Once we had spent about 5 winters in Maine, we realized it was really cold there. Nine years ago we moved back to NC and will probably stay for a long while.
This will be my fourth year as a co-LC of this, one of the largest and most successful PPD festivals in the world, and I am excited about doing it again this year, with even more attendees, more food donations, more blood donations, more press coverage, and above all, the most fun we can have with our clothes on.
Melissa - Co-Local Coordinator/Auction & Raffles
My name is Melissa and this year I am serving as one of the Local Coordinators for CNC-PPD.
I'm a Yankee at heart, an original from Pittsburgh, PA and have been in Raleigh almost two and a half years now. As I look back, it occurs to me that I've probably always followed Pagan spirituality, though it was only after moving here that I immersed myself in finding guidance and others like me. My search brought me to Church of the Earth and I've been fortunate to have found incredibly wonderful friends. This is my second year volunteering for CNC-PPD and I currently serve on the board of Church of the Earth.
I'm looking forward to another successful Pagan Pride Days event this year.
Daddio - Co-Local Coordinator/Technical Director
My name is Daddio Mangum and I'm one of the Co-Local Coordinators. This is my second year as a Co-LC and 6th year being a part of this great event.
I'm a native of Raleigh making Ric and myself members of an "elite" group. I'm a member of the Church of the Earth, a member of the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA) and a member of the Order of the Yew..
I look forward to meeting everyone and helping create a successful and memorable event for all.
Brian - Co-Local Coordinator / Public Relations
I am a Pagan, and have been since I was able to form my own opinions.
I spent my childhood like most, attending a christian church with my family every Sunday. Even more so than some as my family was quite active within their church, and what most would call strong in their convictions as far as raising christian children. However, I was still always allowed to be my own person, which led me to Paganism and other teachings.
When asked, I tag myself as nothing more than simply “Pagan”. Mainly because that term is the best way to encompass who I am at heart, what I tend to trust in as far as this universe is concerned and the morals that I strive to live by. My family and I have been attending the Central NC Pagan Pride Days for about 5 years now (3 as vendors). In 2012, I managed the PR for Pagan Pride Raleigh with much success. This year, my goal is to bring as much awareness as possible about who we are, the groups that we’re are helping, and why we are celebrating!!
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Laurel - Vendors
Hi, I’m Laurel! I was a Vendor at PPD for many years, have served as Vendor Coordinator, and am excited to be the Workshop Coordinator for the 2014 event. I moved to Raleigh 19 years ago (does that make me almost a native?) and was delighted to find an active Pagan community. I’m looking forward to another great year at the Fairgrounds!
And, contrary to the interesting write up which was so graciously provided for me previously, I don’t sparkle. However, I DO like big mutts (and small and medium sized ones as well!). (And I don't look anything at all like this - purple eye shadow - really??)
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Kristy - Graphics & Printing Coordinator
I'm Kristy from Wake Forest. Since the first time I went to the PPD I wanted to be a part of it. I happen to find Church of The Earth and fell in love with everyone. Now I am able to be a part of PPD as the Graphics & Printing Coordinator.
I have an Associates in Graphic Design, Certificate in Web Design and a Certificate of Completion for The New Horizons School of IT. I have a mini "Sign Shop" in my office with everything I need to make designing stuff possible! Yay Garoffice!
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Davyd & Renee - Kids' Activities
This will be Davyd and Renee's fourth year of managing Kids' Activities for the festival.
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Tamara - Main Information Booth
This will be Tamara's third year of managing the main information booth, though she's unofficially run it since before it was a separate booth. Please don't feed her. No matter how cute she may seem, never forget she is a wild animal. |
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Richard - Raffles
Richard will be coordinating raffles this year. A lifelong resident of North Carolina and a denizen of Raleigh since 1999, Richard has been a solitary practitioner of pagan traditions for over 17 years. Richard and his wife, Jenny, are very pleased to call themselves members of the Church of the Earth, and consider their work at Pagan Pride Day a miniscule token of their appreciation for the profoundly joyous sense of community they have found at CotE.
Richard's professional credentials include writing and editing supplements for tabletop roleplaying games, web development and SEO/SEM, and mustering enough patience to pretend to care about the whims of overpaid, underbrained executives for 7- to 8-hour long bursts at a time -- making him the ideal choice for dealing with the general public at PPD. Give him a whiskey and an Al Capone cigarillo and he'll be your bro for life.
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