I want to alert everyone to a community event that may interest you regarding “Race and Racism.” While not specifically geared to the LGBTQ community, the conversation may be useful to gay, lesbian. bi, trans, and queer persons who understand the connection of racism and homophobia, or who wish to see less racism within the LGBTQ community.
Last week, I responded to an op-ed by Ernest Owens, and he makes a compelling point: we often fail to address intersectionality within the LGBTQ community, and conversations such as this are a good place for activists and advocates to explore that intersectionality while building bonds between the African American community and the LGBTQ community.
If you feel like you have a sound grasp on these issues, come and add your voice to the dialogue! If this feels way outside your comfort zone, come and stretch yourself and make progress happen!
Freedom Unlimited, Inc. is sponsoring the second of a five-part series on race and racism Tuesday, 15 July from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Neighborhood Academy, 709 N. Aiken Avenue (the former site of the Stanton Heights Shopping Center off Black Street). This specific conversation is focused on Race and Media: a Discussion of Fruitvale Station and 12 Years a Slave. Panelists are Billy Jackson, NOMMO Productions; Luqmon Abdus-Salaam; Darius Prier, Duquesne University; Liana Maneese; and Njaimeh Njie, Ya Momz House. The event is supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh: Commission on Racism, The Pittsburgh Branch NAACP, and The Black Political Empowerment Project. Light refreshments will be served.