So on Wednesday March 10, 2010 I had the opportunity to be an activist. With the collection of a petition, letters, and by showing up with my right hand man I was able to stand with about 30 other people who wanted to make sure that the popular West Village bar Chi Chiz remained open. Although some have questioned why this actor decided to turn activist, the feedback did not bother me at all. I understand the importance of standing for something that you want and believe in, here is a copy of a letter that myself and The FUTURE’s Vice President Cornelius Jones Jr. drafted to showcase our individual support in keeping Chi Chiz open.
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March 9, 2010
To Whom it May Concern:
Christopher Street is the heart of the LGBTQ Community around the world and it is a Mecca of expression for many people of color. Today we are standing to show support to the founders, owners, and staff of Chi Chiz which has showcased an overwhelming support of love and camaraderie in the black and hispanic same gender loving community. Chi Chiz is part of a diverse and growing LGBTQ community who advocate for social justice and acceptance of a community of people regardless of race, sex, class and gender. Chi Chiz has helped in building an alliance of communality and commonality between the gay and straight residence of The West Village.
This establishment provides exposure to the many artists who do not have the means or opportunities to showcase their beautiful master pieces any other place in the New York City area. To add, it is marking history for films that have been produced and are being produced on location at Chi Chiz, while never forgetting the success the establishment has given these artists and filmmakers. Works such as Finding Me, Ski Trip and my independent film that I produced Christopher Street- The Series all have been supported and or produced on location at Chi Chiz. There are not very many places in New York City where people of color can go and feel a sense of camaraderie and connectedness. Please reconsider any plans to disband this establishment by looking at this letter of support as a call to preserve a piece of history that is a major part of the black gay and hispanic renaissance, which is very vital to a community of black and hispanic LGBTQ people that is often ignored or forgotten about.
Sincerely yours,
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March 9, 2010
To Whom it May Concern:
Christopher Street is the heart of the LGBTQ Community around the world and it is a Mecca of expression for many people of color. Today we are standing to show support to the founders, owners, and staff of Chi Chiz which has showcased an overwhelming support of love and camaraderie in the black and hispanic same gender loving community. Chi Chiz is part of a diverse and growing LGBTQ community who advocate for social justice and acceptance of a community of people regardless of race, sex, class and gender. Chi Chiz has helped in building an alliance of communality and commonality between the gay and straight residence of The West Village.
This establishment provides exposure to the many artists who do not have the means or opportunities to showcase their beautiful master pieces any other place in the New York City area. To add, it is marking history for films that have been produced and are being produced on location at Chi Chiz, while never forgetting the success the establishment has given these artists and filmmakers. Works such as Finding Me, Ski Trip and my independent film that I produced Christopher Street- The Series all have been supported and or produced on location at Chi Chiz. There are not very many places in New York City where people of color can go and feel a sense of camaraderie and connectedness. Please reconsider any plans to disband this establishment by looking at this letter of support as a call to preserve a piece of history that is a major part of the black gay and hispanic renaissance, which is very vital to a community of black and hispanic LGBTQ people that is often ignored or forgotten about.
Sincerely yours,
Cornelius Jones Jr.
Dwight Allen O’Neal
Men of The FUTURE
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