Individual | Inducted 2026
For more than two decades, David Dodd has contributed to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, cultural programming, professional communications, and mentorship, with particular attention to Black LGBTQ+ life. An award-winning marketing and communications executive, community advocate, and event producer, he has used his professional expertise and public platform to increase visibility, create opportunities, and build community.
Dodd has helped produce events associated with Chicago Black Pride for more than 20 years. In 2010, he co-founded K Dock Media and later established David Dodd Events. Through these ventures, he has produced more than 500 events intended to provide affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ people can connect, celebrate, and experience community. His contributions to Black LGBTQ+ cultural life were recognized through his induction into the Chicago Black Gay Hall of Fame.
His service also includes more than two decades of involvement in HIV/AIDS education, awareness, and advocacy through organizations including National Youth Pride Services and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. He has served on the boards of Windy City Black Pride and the Black Alphabet Film Festival. Dodd also dedicated more than 12 years to the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, including four years as board chair. Through these roles, he supported organizations addressing health disparities, representation, advocacy, and the needs of Black gay men.
Dodd has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications. He currently serves as Director of Marketing and Communications at The Night Ministry and has developed communications strategies for Howard Brown Health and the University of Chicago Medicine. His professional work has also included leading agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and nationally recognized brands.
For four years, Dodd was executive producer and host of the award-winning podcast *The Sip*, which highlighted perspectives from African American and LGBTQ+ communities. His story was included in Dan Savage’s *New York Times* bestseller *It Gets Better*, which addressed LGBTQ+ youth facing bullying. A graduate of Chicago State University, Dodd has also committed himself to mentoring. His work encompasses event production, communications, health advocacy, organizational service, and the creation of spaces for Black LGBTQ+ communities to gather and be represented.