Posts Tagged ‘Black History Month’
Highlighting Black + LGBT Pioneers: Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey was born in 1931 in Rogers, Texas, and grew up in a time of economic crisis (the Great Depression), racism, violence and segregation. His father abandoned his mother when Ailey was only three months old, forcing the family to work in cotton fields and as domestics for white households. Yet with the support…
Read MoreHighlighting Black + LGBT Pioneers: Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker’s life story was unbelievably queer, boundary-defying and transgressive. The first indication of this is found in the St. Louis city records. Baker’s mother, Carrie McDonald, became pregnant while working for a German family, and was admitted to the exclusively white Female Hospital. This was 1906: America was segregated and patriarchal, and typically Black…
Read MoreThe Three Fault Lines Of Injustice Against Rev. Darlene Garner
As we wrap up Black History Month, my mind and heart are returning to Rev. Darlene Garner and the injustice she experienced at the hands of the Metropolitan Community Church, a denomination to which she faithfully gave her leadership and ministry. I have been an ally of the Metropolitan Community Church since I attended my…
Read MorePride Events Display Disparities In LGBTQ Community
June is Pride Month for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities across the country—and parades abound. While we all rev up each June for Pride so, too, do the fault lines of race and class in the LGBTQ community. With advances such as hate crime laws, legalization of same-sex marriage across the country,…
Read MoreBlack History Prayer for Those of Us In the Margins
For those whose families never healed Broken by water, whips, laws and cultural norms For those whose breasts unfed upon Mixed tears with milk at the memories of their babies sold. For those whose stripes were inflicted and celebrated By good Christians in white sheets For every boll gathered, every shoe cobbled or shined Every…
Read MoreA Road Map Beyond Black History Month
Black History Month (which kicked off on Feb. 1) became a national annual observance in 1926. The goal of the month is to honor and celebrate the achievements of African-Americans. If Dr. Carter Woodson, the Father of Black History, were alive today, he would be proud of the tenacity of the African American community. It…
Read More10 Black Religious Leaders Advancing LGBTQ Justice
As we near the end of Black History Month, we’re featuring ten lesbian, gay, transgender, same gender loving, and queer leaders (pictured clockwise) who are making history as they pave the way for the welcome and affirmation of all people across Christian traditions. 1. Archbishop Carl Bean Former Motown recording artist Archbishop Carl Bean has dedicated his…
Read MoreOne LGBT-Inclusive Black Church In Boston Paves The Way
One LGBT-Inclusive Black Church In Boston Paves The Way
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