Lighthouse Foundationa Chicago advocacy principally organizing around matters related to Black LGBT community memberswill issue a written letter to Center on Halsted on Sept. 3 demanding that the Center fire its security firm, Walsh Security, and it is asking community members to sign in support.
The foundation, which is affiliated with Lighthouse Church in Lincoln Park, is among organizers who have raised awareness of racial justice issues in Boystown since allegations of discriminatory treatment were alleged at the Progress Bar nightclub and the store Beatnix earlier in 2019. Walsh Security has long been a target of the Center's critics; founder Thomas Walsh has also faced allegations of racism while many Center visitors have complained of being overly policed by security officers there.
"Lighthouse Foundation ( LF ) is a non-sectarian, nonprofit social justice organization that advances justice for Black LGBTQ-plus people across Chicagoland through empowerment, education and entertainment," said Rev. Jamie Frazier, the organization's board president, in a statement. "LF has two branches: CARE and Caucuses. Allies of Black LGBTQ+ folks can participate by joining LF's direct action organizing arm, CAREthe Coalition of Allies for Racial Equality. CARE is open to both individuals and organizations. Anyone committed to the pursuit of justice for Black LGBTQ-plus people is welcome to join the work of CARE."
The letter will be hand-delivered to the Center on Sept. 3. Lighthouse Foundation asks for community members to addd their signatures by 9 p.m. on Sept. 2.
The letter, where community members can add their signatures, is at bit.ly/30PYXqI.