More folks at the CBLG King Day tribute. Co-chairs Dwayne Woods (TOP LEFT) and Alexia Johnson (MIDDLE).
Several youth addressed the audience, including Virgil Roberson (RIGHT), who asked for leaders to reach out to help GLBT youth. BOTTOM: Rev. Alma Crawford (with daughter Lisa) and Vernita Gray also addressed the crowd. Photos by Tracy Baim
An estimated 200 people attended the 8th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast sponsored by Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays. The event was held this year at the Robert A. Black School, 7133 S. Coles. Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Hill of Power Circle Congregation was the keynote speaker. Beverly Jenkins of Milwaukee was also a featured speaker. Others addressing the crowd included youth, performers, activist Vernita Gray and Rev. Alma Crawford. Event co-chairs were Alexia Johnson and Dwayne Woods.
Rev. Hill spoke about his child in a coldwater home, and the lack of educational opportunities for Black youth today. His church has an HIV ministry, and he asked for a paradigm shift in people's thoughts about relationships—it has nothing to do with gay or straight, he said, we all want a great relationship.
Minister Boris Powell and Ken McCane of Adodi offered the libations.
Speaker Jenkins talked about uniting movements for gays and people of color, not separating people based on identity politics. She, like others, called for a strong anti-war movement, and said the gay movement has a long history of dismissing issues that are important to people of color.
Singer Jesse Dean Stanford and Grace performed. Also singing was Shernita Lyles. Charles Long read his 'Shackles' poem. Louis Spraggins also read his poetry. The audience was nearly 200 strong.