2012 NYC Black Pride Heritage Awards, Wednesday, August 15th at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

NYC Black Pride celebrates 15 years of community awareness.  This year’s pride season will kick-off on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 with a five day celebration that includes “The Black Pride Heritage Awards" which will honor Tony Award winner Hinton Battle, highly acclaimed Director and Producer of Paris Is Burning, Jennie Livingston, Kim Ford, Laurence Pinckney, Ralph Emerson, Lee Daniels, Monica Roberts, Christian Ruart, Kaz Mitchell, Byron Barnes, Tona Brown, Ayana Elliot Christian, Junior LaBeija, Dray Ebony, Derek Murphy Ebony, Kenny Chanel, Selvin Khan, Tree/Jaszi/Jahlove and NY Senator Eric Adams, among others.

In celebration of this incredible milestone, we have expanded our committee of health organizations, local business and community leaders to also include youth organizers and media companies. Lee Soulja, the executive director of NYC Black Pride says, We are striving to be a united community organization and present  quality cultural events.

We want to not only lead by example but also empower our youth to take control of their lives and the future.” Lee Soulja continues, “Let’s be the change we seek!” 

Doors Open at 6:00pm

Red Carpet from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Welcoming Presentation Starts at 7:15pm

Awards Ceremony Begins at 7:30pm

Closing Remarks & Ending at 9:00pm

A few of our proud sponsors and partners include;

GMAD, Gilead, GO Magazine, GBM News, Harlem United, Circle of Voices Inc. and Scenario USA.

NYC Black Pride will begin on Wednesday August 15, 2012 and run through Sunday August 19, 2012   www.nycblackpride.com or www.facebook.com/nycblackpride.

PLEASE RSVP for this event at NYCBlackPrideAwards.eventbrite.com

ABOUT GMAD

In 1986, Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) was conceptualized in New York City, a result of the vision of founder, The Reverend Charles Angel who embarked on a mission to empower the black gay men. In the many New York neighborhoods, gay black men continued to exist below the radar: Black men were dying in silence from HIV/AIDS because prevention funds did not reach them; Black gay youth were becoming homeless and resorting to violence and prostitution as a result of feelings of isolation, alienation and harassment; Black gay men were suffering from depression and insecurity because they feared coming out and most importantly black gay men felt unsupported by the community at large. Reverend Angel recognized that the need was a hybrid need that was being left unaddressed. Historically, these men had been forced to prioritize their battles as if each was mutually exclusive. They were simply not just black or not just men or not just gay --- they were all three of these things. GMAD stepped in to fill a void and connect the dots. Choosing not the path of least resistance but one of challenge and uncertainty, Reverend Angel and his colleagues took on the role - and the weight - of community activists in order to create parity for the black gay community.

GMAD Kickoffs Black History at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture during the organizations 25th Year Celebration

GMAD & Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Presented:

An Exhibition

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images

L to R: Kevin Coleman, Bonnie Harrison, Reggie Shuford, George Bellinger Jr., Bishop Zachary Jones & Tokes Osubu

On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, GMAD and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture presented a jubilee exhibition entitled GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images. This exhibition celebrates 25 historic years of GMAD (Gay Men Of African Descent) and will be displayed until August 31, 2012 at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY.

Photos courtesy of Alonzo Boldin Photography

With over 300 attendees, the overall theme of the evening was GMAD25 – the Evolution Continues. GMAD is working to improve quality of life within the New York City black gay community by effectively fighting the triple threat of AIDS, homophobia and racism through education, advocacy, health and wellness and social support. Tokes Osubu, GMAD Executive Director started the evenings panel discussion at the exhibition saluting GMAD's history, and announcing the re-launch of the GMAD Membership program. You can become a member of GMAD for $25 go to www.gmad.org and sign up for your card, he invited everyone to pledge and walk with Team GMAD # 2306 during the 27^th Annual NY AIDS Walks on Sunday, May 20^th and as a part of our Stay Connected Campaign the launch of the GMAD OUTSpoken blog coming mid-February headed up by journalist Akim Bryant.

L to R: Senator Bill Perkins, Tokes Osubu & Michael Henry Adams

The crème de la crème of the philanthropic, arts and entertainment industries were in attendance to support and honor these innovators and members of the LGBT community on this very special day. GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images was co-curated by Dr. Kevin McGruder, former Executive Director of GMAD and current Scholar-in-Residence at the Schomburg Center; and Steven G. Fullwood, Project Director for the Black Gay & Lesbian Archive at the Schomburg Center. Senator Bill Perkins presented a proclamation to GMAD along with Michael Henry Adams. Steven G. Fullwood moderated the panel discussion which included: Kevin McGruder, Kevin Coleman, Bonnie Harrison, Reggie Shuford, George Bellinger, Jr., Bishop Zachary Jones & Tokes Osubu.

L to R: Kevin Coleman, Bonnie Harrison, George Bellinger Jr., Bishop Zachary Jones, Reggie Shuford, Tokes Osubu, Kevin McGruder & Steven G. Fullwood

Initial funding of the LGBT Initiative provided by Time Warner Inc., with additional support from M.A.C. AIDS Fund; Arcus Foundation; and Friends of the LGBT Initiative. Special Thanks to: Ann-Marie Nicholson, Editor at the Schomburg Center, Camille Evans of CME Group Inc., Richard E. Pelzer II of MEGA Personalities, Akim Bryant, Troy Longmire, Cordell Cleare, Ebony Scott & David Mayer.

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images at Schomburg Center on Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture present a jubilee exhibition entitled GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images. This exhibition will celebrate 25 historic years of GMAD on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Reception 5:30pm with exhibit & panel discussion 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY.

Attendance is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

GMAD is working to improve quality of life within the New York City black gay community by effectively fighting the triple threat of AIDS, homophobia and racism through education, advocacy, health and wellness and social support. Tokes Osubu, GMAD Executive Director will lead a panel discussion at the exhibition focusing on history, progress and the future of GMAD and its initiatives affecting and supporting Gay Men Of African Descent here and abroad. www.gmad.org

The crème de la crème of the philanthropic, arts and entertainment industries will be in attendance to support and honor these innovators and members of the LGBT community on their very special day.

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images is co-curated by Dr. Kevin McGruder, former Executive Director of GMAD and current Scholar-in-Residence at the Schomburg Center; and Steven G. Fullwood, Project Director for the Black Gay & Lesbian Archive at the Schomburg Center.

Initial funding of the LGBT Initiative provided by Time Warner Inc., with additional support from M.A.C. AIDS Fund; Arcus Foundation; and Friends of the LGBT Initiative.

RSVP: GMAD25.eventbrite.com

GMAD Celebrates 25 Years of Community Service

Creators of LANGSTON’S the movie will Host The GMAD Christmas Party on Monday, December 19th at Tian on the Riverbank Restaurant, Harlem

GMAD is proud to announce the creators of LANGSTON’S, a new film about the contemporary struggles of gay men of color, will host The GMAD Christmas Party on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 8:00pm with a special Open Bar sponsored by Grand Touring Vodka. Having spent one year in development, LANGSTON’S is an unprecedented collaboration between four filmmakers: Dwight Allen O’Neal (Christopher Street TV), Dane Harrington Joseph (Drama Queenz), Daniel Armando (Boys Like You), and James Peoples (Where Truth Lies). Their talents combine to create four unique stories each connected by a tragic event in one location, a popular night club. More info can be found at www.WhatHappenedatLangstons.com.

Come out an enjoy the holiday festivities with the (4) Men of Color, (3) Target Audiences, (2) Projects & (1) Goal.

Are you in the Holiday Spirit?

RSVP TODAY at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2620634388

Space is Limited! Hope to see you there.

Wear Purple on October 20 for Spirit Day #SpiritDay

Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 20 as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are.

Why is Wanda Sykes and Hilary Duff, Sick & Tired?

Why is Wanda Sykes and Hilary Duff, Sick and Tired?

Special Screening on May 26th of the film "Children of God"

CHILDREN OF GOD Makes Its Theatrical Premiere in New York City

GLO TV Network & GMAD will host a special screening

on Thursday, May 26^th at 7:10pm & 9:35pm

Have you seen one of the most controversial, yet refreshing films from this year? GLO TV and GMAD are proud to present and host special screenings on Thursday, May 26^th at 7:10pm and 9:30pm at the Quad Cinema Theater. We are asking the community to enjoy this powerful and beautiful story with us.

In Children of God, writer and director Kareem Mortimer tackles the subject of gay rights and human behavior in the Bahamas. Amid the sunny background of this Caribbean paradise lies a boiling cauldron of social and religious unrest. Mortimer carefully weaves the stories of four people all headed towards a fate none would expect.

What starts out as a casual trip from the city of Nassau to the tranquil island of Eleuthera, suddenly becomes a life-altering journey. For Johnny, a painfully shy art student who struggles to deal with his own sexuality and lack of inspiration decides to take some time off to find himself artistically and personally. Along the way, he meets Romeo, a handsome, young musician, whose double life as a straight man leads him to escape the suspicions of his family, ultimately finding a kindred spirit in Johnny. In the case of Lena, a wife, mother, and devout Christian campaigning against gay rights in the Bahamas, she also discovers the tiny island, all while learning some disturbing truths about her husband, the fanatical Reverend Ralph. His shocking infidelity does more physical and emotional harm than anyone could ever imagine.

Children of God's ending is nothing short of jaw-dropping and yet, there is something oddly cathartic and reassuring about each character’s fate. Overall, Children of God is an emotionally charged film with stellar performances and beautiful location shots. Mortimer has skillfully crafted a tale that is both touching and painfully realistic in its portrayal of relationship dynamics and the impact of fanatical religious hatred. Children of God is a culturally relevant and thought provoking movie that shouldn’t be missed.

“Finds moments of grace in it¹s believable central relationship
...Ferro and Williams keep their attraction and their doubts natural.”
- Variety

“A landmark feature film by directed by Kareem Mortimer...a powerful and
beautiful story about love, fear and religious intolerance” - Man about town

"Children of God is sumptuous and daring" – Extra

Film is scheduled to play at the Quad Cinemas from May 20th-May 26th. Opening Weekend filled with parties, Q&A and panels. Showtimes are 1:00 pm, 3:00pm, 5:05pm, 7:10pm and 9:35pm.

Quad Cinema, 34 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011-7911, (212) 255-8800

Brooklyn HIV/AIDS Conference Addresses Healthcare Disparities, LGBT Leadership

Prevention, Funding Cuts Highlighted

By Nathan James

This weekend, National AIDS Services and Education for Minorities (NAESM) is hosting a Leadership Conference in Brooklyn to address the issues of HIV/AIDS and disparities in healthcare for gay men of color. The conference, which began on Thursday, runs until tomorrow at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott Hotel. It comprises workshops, seminars, and plenary meetings of advocates, service providers, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the executives and staff of NAESM. NAESM founder and CEO Rudolph Carn, speaking at yesterday’s breakfast plenary, cited cuts in government funding as a major concern of NAESM and the LGBT community, particularly reductions in social-service programs for HIV/AIDS patients and HIV prevention education. Carn called for a town hall meeting to discuss “what the [federal government] has done for black gay men lately.” He decried multibillion-dollar cuts in HIV/AIDS funding as a “serious issue” for the future of NAESM, men who have sex with men (MSM), and the LGBT community as a whole. Support from the American public and its elected leadership will be “critical” to ongoing efforts to provide education, testing, and other services to gays and lesbians, according to Carn and other NAESM executives.

A prominent member of the African-American community, Rev. Al Sharpton, was scheduled to speak at a NAESM press conference on Friday, to discuss ways to “fight against prejudice and bias of HIV/AIDS in the African-American community, and more specifically, the African-American MSM community”, according to a NAESM press release. When Rev. Sharpton failed to appear, Carn stated “we do not know where Rev. Sharpton is, so we will move on with our program.” Calls to Rev. Sharpton’s National Action Network by GBM News were met with “no comment” on Sharpton’s whereabouts or why he did not appear at the press conference. Carn then introduced the next scheduled speaker, Kevin ‘Kaoz’ Moore, an out Minneapolis hip-hop artist and HIV/AIDS education program manager. Moore discussed the value of using hip-hop prose and music “as a tool for reaching black gay men”, and stressed the importance of hip-hop’s ability, as a genre, to reach across generations and “communicate social-justice issues” such as HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and treatment. Moore pointed out in a conversation with GBM News, that LGBT youth of color often have “unrealistic expectations” about LGBT life, and artists, as positive role models, were extremely important for gay youth. The “international presence” of hip-hop, says Moore, “shows it has cross-cultural appeal”, and can be used as an “icebreaker” to convey critical messages about issues facing the LGBT community. Moore’s work in the Minneapolis area and as a hip-hop artist has won him accolades, including NAESM’s 2007 Award of excellence in Youth Leadership. Moore feels the “lack of support” from “mainstream hip-hop artists” for the LGBT community is an obstacle that must be overcome in order to better combat homophobia within the music industry and in society as a whole.

Echoing the sentiment that more support for the LGBT community is needed from the general public, is Acting NAESM Executive Director Craig Cobb, who manages NAESM’s Brooklyn office. Cobb notes there are many statements of support from local officials for NAESM, but little actual funding. “Brooklyn Deputy Borough President [Yvonne] Graham came to our reception last night,” says Cobb, “and made a commitment without a checkbook.” Without new funding, Cobb stated, “The Brooklyn office of NAESM will close its doors on April 1.” In spite of this bleak prospect, Cobb noted that NAESM’s Brooklyn office now has a new medical director, and “for every social crisis, there is a solution.” He pointed to the recent closure of major HIV/AIDS healthcare providers St. Vincent’s and North General Hospitals, and cited the work the remaining hospitals in NYC have done to serve gay men of color. Hospitals such as “Brooklyn and SUNY Downstate have developed programs targeting black MSM”, Cobb says, “and these are examples of community solutions to the problems we face.”

Cobb conceded this was an uphill battle, recalling efforts by the Bush Administration to suppress HIV/AIDS education and today’s conflict between HIV/AIDS education and big pharmaceutical corporations. “Big business—pharmaceutical companies—are interested in keeping people sick and making money off of illness,” Cobb said, and deplored the attempts by these corporations to stymie public HIV-prevention education. These same companies, in conjunction with the religious right, have also hindered the legalization of stem-cell research in the US, an area of science that could offer a cure for HIV, as was done recently in Berlin, Cobb notes. Stem-cell research, in which stem cells are cultured from people with natural immunities and introduced into HIV-positive patients, was outlawed in 22 states during the George W. Bush administration, and President Obama is currently working to get these laws repealed.

Support from legislators for organizations like NAESM is also critical. Although City Councilmember Letitia James (WFP-Fort Greene) has stated her support for NAESM, she, like Sharpton, was a no-show at the Conference. “It’s a shame,” Cobb reflects, “Sharpton could have been a bridge between the black church and the black gay community.” NAESM staff interviewed by GBM News all agreed that public support, through legislation, anti-homophobia campaigns, and education are critical for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts today, along with funding. The conference, seeking to develop new ways to gain such support and keep the work of NAESM going, continues today with an appearance by legendary vocalist Melba Moore, and workshops for interested attendees. You can visit their website at www.naesm.org .

African Americans protest Bahati’s US tour to promote “kill the black gays” in Uganda

MEDIA ALERT

December 10, 2010

BLACK FAITH ALLIANCE FOR GLOBAL LGBT JUSTICE

The Global Justice Institute, GLAAD, GLO TV Network, GayByGod.net, The Fellowship, MCC New York, Rehoboth Temple

Media Contact : Joseph Tolton, Blur Advertising 646-765-6960 jtolton@blur-advertising.com

African Americans protest Bahati’s US tour to promote “kill the black gays” in Uganda

WHAT: Emergency Town Hall Meeting to challenge Ugandan PM David Bahati who is currently promoting his “kill the gays” bill on a trip to the United States

WHEN: Saturday, December 11, 2010

1:00 p.m. (SHARP)

WHO: Pastor Joseph W. Tolton - Rehoboth Temple

Bishop Zachary Jones - Unity Fellowship

Rev Pat Bumgardner - MCC

Dr. Marjorie Hill - GMHC

Tokes Osubu - GMAD

WHERE: Rehoboth Temple Christ Conscious Church

310 West 139th Street, New York, NY 10031

(Fredrick Douglass & Edgecombe)

WHY: LGBT People of African Descent and our allies, family and friends are responding to the immediate attack on our fellow brother and sisters in the country of Uganda. The conservative Christian right organization known as The Family and so-called “ex-gay” activist Scott lively exported hatred to Africa with a direct threat to the LGBT community in Uganda by funding and sponsoring the “Anti-Homosexuality” bill which would introduce the death penalty for gay people and require extradition of gay Ugandans around the world. LGBT communities of color in the USA and across the globe are at greater risk for hate crimes and persecutions. Killing LGBT people in Uganda or anywhere else around the world is wrong.

###

AIDS Taskforce T-shirt aims to spread stigma of HIV too thin to hurt

Photo: Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer HIV Positive T-shirt handed out Thursday by the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland to be worn Friday for AIDS awareness.

By Tony Brown,

The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- People are looking at me funny. Funnier than usual. Some sneer or laugh derisively. Some have a kind smile. Most just stare.

Maybe it's because a red T-shirt makes me look pallid. More pallid than usual.

Or maybe it's the bold, black-and-white lettering on the shirt:

HIV POSITIVE

My shirt identifies me as having the human immunodeficiency virus, the sneaky bug that can reverse-transcribe itself into my DNA and cause AIDS, which has infected 65 million worldwide and killed at least 25 million since the late 1970s.

On Friday, several hundred other people in Greater Cleveland -- where 4,000 people live with AIDS -- will do the same thing, coming out of the closet about HIV.

It's a "stunt" by the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, a bit of street-theater activism aimed at defusing HIV stigmas.

On Friday, we won't block intersections or yell. We'll just wear the shirt as we go about our routines -- doing our jobs, grocery shopping, hitting a sports bar for March Madness.

And we'll document it all in real time with words, photos and videos on Facebook and Twitter.

The plan is to get everybody -- ourselves included -- thinking about all the things we think of when we think about HIV/AIDS.

"We're out to challenge the silence, the mantle of shame that descends, the stigmas associated with HIV," AIDS Taskforce executive director Earl Pike said. "We don't stigmatize people who have prostate cancer. Why HIV?"

Pike is the guy who came up with the idea for Friday's guerilla action after British singer Annie Lennox caused a fan panic by wearing an "HIV Positive" T-shirt on national TV.

"It's about secrets -- sexual histories, who uses drugs," Pike said. "When you ask those questions, you find it's not just people in the inner cities. It's also people in Solon and Orange and Medina. How awesome it would be if everybody told everybody the truth about who we are and what we do."

Read the Entire Article: AIDS Taskforce T-shirt

AIDS Task Force launches "HIV Positive" tees

Black Pride Times Two

Sharp contrasts in attendance, organization of Black Prides in NYC

Written by Nathan James

The summer of 2008 was a difficult time for the LGBT community of color in New York City. Following the executive-management collapse at People Of Color in Crisis (POCC), the annual Black Gay Pride Weekend, Pride In The City, was abruptly canceled the day before it was scheduled to begin. Thousands of people arrived at the venues for PITC, only to find no events, and no explanations. It was therefore a topic of great interest as to whether 2009 would see any Black Pride events at all. Much to our surprise, there were two Black Gay Prides in NYC during the past two weekends.

The first of these was Jubilation, organized by Lee Soulja and sponsored by Gay Men Of African Descent (GMAD). Held during the traditional Pride In The City [first] weekend in August, Jubilation was put together on very short notice, but it was quite successful. Beginning with a reception on Friday, July 31, a picnic Saturday in Commodore Barry Park, and ending on Sunday, August 2, with the Black Gay Expo, it was a tour-de-force. On Sunday, there were screen presentations of Christopher Street TV, and a stage show with a lineup of rappers, poets and literary figures, hosted by actor and comedian Reginald L. Barnes. Among the performers were songstress Chelly, rappers King Jabbar, Baron, and Eric Joppy, male impersonators Dred Gerestant and Stefon Royce, eye-candy dancer Marck Angel, authors Nathan James and Renair Amin, and Out Music producer and singer Deepa Soul.

A Mr. Jubilation model search contest was also held, with $200, and a spot on black gay author Blair Poole's next book cover going to the audience-chosen winner. The overriding theme of Jubilation was a celebration of LGBT people of color, and this was carried off to good effect by the organizers, with centrally-located venues, positive themes, and, as Lee Soulja stated, "a strong message of self-love and HIV prevention". Jubilation closed out the following weekend with Fire Island Black Out as its official beach party. Attendees generally agreed that all of the Jubilation events lived up to their billing. It is clear that Lee and the Jubilation staff are off to a good start.

A week after Jubilation held its Manhattan events, a new HIV/AIDS outreach organization held several events under the familiar Pride In The City (PITC) banner used by POCC in years past. The new group, Atlanta-based National AIDS Services and Education for Minorities (NAESM), opened its Brooklyn branch offices and began their PITC events with a reception and Grand Opening on Thursday, August 6. They hosted a catered reception in their Atlantic Avenue building, where attendees met CEO Rudolph Carn, Acting Executive Director Craig Cobb, and several other executive managers. They outlined NAESM's mission statement and goals, and engaged the community members in dialogue about ways to achieve their aims. The official PITC reception, Expressions, was held on Friday in Brooklyn, at Langston's, followed by a kickoff party at Secrets in Manhattan. The next day was NAESM's Family Day in The Park at Prospect Park. Attendance at all of the PITC events was sparse, possibly a result of poor publicity, no booked performers, and the overshadowing of Jubilation the week before. A planned Beach Party on Sunday, August 9, was a washout due to stormy weather. Still, NAESM organizers pronounced PITC a success, and Director Craig Cobb insisted "our events will be bigger and better next year."

2009 will be remembered as the year Black Pride returned to New York City in full force, with Manhattan venues (a first for Black Gay Prides in NYC), dedicated community and artistic people engaging to celebrate our diversity and beauty, and twice as many opportunities for LGBT people of color to be out and PROUD. Long may this continue to be so.

--
Nathan James
http://www.authornathan.blogspot.com/
Photos Courtesy of GBMNews.com