Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (March 21, 1997)
national news From root to branch Rates may differ on departure dates subject to change—restrictions may apply CALL FOR RSVP C R U IS E S -O L M A CRUISES MEN O N VACATION INFORMATION National black gay forum reaches out to regional communities youth to lend resources and support , ▼ Gateway Express by Inga Sorensen o f O reg o n , In c. 25 SW Jefferson St., Portland (503) 242-0088 Domestic & International Air • World Wide Cruises Hawaii Specialist • IG T A Agency 1-800-334-1188 • Fax (503) 227-7564 TWENTY-THIRD AVENUE O O 1015 N W 2 3rd A v en u e, P o rtla n d , O reg o n 97210, (503) 224-5097 Monday-Friday 9:3 0 - 8 pm □ Saturday 10 am - 8 pm □ Sunday 11 am - 4 pm REPORT HOMOPHOBIC VIOLENCE O W N YOUR O W N HOM E For A s Little As esponding to the shifting needs of the ers—Alice Walker, Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Elders, country’s African American lesbian June Jordan—it was wonderful.” and gay community, the National Not that there wasn’t also plenty of nitty-gritty Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership organizing going on. Forum is launching its first major “There was lots of that too,” laughs Prescod, reorganization since the group was established adding a on a more serious note: ‘T hat’s what we decade ago. need to be doing in Oregon—basic organizing of The changes include the addition of new pro both men and women.” grams, new national staff members and the first The conference, held Feb. 13-17, attracted permanent board of directors; the implementa grass-roots organizers and scholars from around tion of a regional structure; and the adoption of a the nation who discussed vital issues concerning lower membership fee. the black lesbian and gay community. The event “These bold new steps will give us a greater featured Womyn’s and Men’s institutes, an AIDS presence in local communities throughout the Institute and two days of skills-building work nation,” says Keith Boykin, the Leadership shops. Forum’s executive director. Longtime activist Mandy Carter has been Established in 1988, the National Black Les bian and Gay Leadership Forum works to em power African American lesbians and gay men by developing their leadership skills, increasing their visibility and building bridges among various communities. It is the only national organization dedicated to the country’s estimated 2 million-plus African American gay men and lesbians. In mid-February, nearly 1,000 lesbians and gay men gathered in Long Beach, Calif., for the group’s 10th anniversary conference, which brought together a number of prominent African Americans, including Dr. Cornel West, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders, and writer/ poet June Jordan. “The participation of so many high-profile leaders in the black community represents the important role of black lesbians and gays in the larger black struggle,” says Boykin. “We plan to build on this momentum, and we expect that other prominent African Americans will become much Sherry Harris R $500 DOWN O.A.C. (Some down payments slightly higher) 3-BDRM,¿ßATH 2-BDRM, 2 BATH 3-BDRM, 2 BATH 3-BDRM, 2 BATH Approjj blend Kitchen, Approx 920 sq. I. $51 nth O.A.C. Approx. 1100 sq. ft. Approx. 1280 sq. ft. $500 DOWN s500 DOWN $8 0 7 DOWN $408 Si* $427 « £ $599 SSS. NewCaslIe#! dackarasArea312 w /fW o se of heme, no space w / fW u e ol home, no space rent rent lor 6 mentis. M a s » Area far 6 mos. Near Blue LcAe Sp. 71 3-BDRM, 2 BATH 3-BDRM, 2 BATH Interested in 4-BDRM, 2 BATH 3-BDRM, 2 BATH Attached garage, M O O sq. It. Attached garage, 1400 sq (t. Hood River? Approx. 2000 sq. ft. Approx. 1400 sq. ft. S1100 DOWN 51098 DOWN 1 Only Special $1126 DOWN Models on land. $6 5 7 8 Ä $652 8SÊ Call Central Homes s65,900 $658 axe. The Rev. Cecil Prescod We have land and Canby#509 (503) 659-7241 Canby#511 t ürobtotod 1969 w / fW ia * ol home, no space Call Today rent far 6 mas. TraJdcJe Sp. 87 13233 S.E. McLoughlin, Milwaukie, OR • 659-7241 more vocal in their support of the black lesbian and gay community.” The Rev. Cecil Prescod was among a small group of Portlanders who attended the confer ence. He is a member of the local chapter of Brother to Brother, an African American gay and bisexual men’s group. “The conference had a very celebratory feel,” says Prescod, who also participated in last year’s conference in Dallas. “It felt more like a celebra tion this year, probably because it was the tenth anniversary, and there were such notable speak - named the Forum’s first national field director. She will assist black sexual minority community organizations by providing resources, skills and technical assistance to build a larger multi-com munity coalition. The fledgling national youth program will target black queer youth between the ages of 18 and 24 in need of leadership training, direct finan cial assistance and mentors. Major components of the program include a National Youth Council, annual scholarships to support students and young community organiz ers, a youth track organized by and for young people at the annual national conference, and a mentoring project providing role models. Local and regional groups can also now join forces with the Forum by becoming member organizations. In doing so, they will be eligible to apply for technical and financial assistance through a new grant process that pools the resources of various local groups. The Forum has also established a regional structure to better represent all parts of the coun try. The Pacific Northwest’s regional representa tive is former Seattle Councilwoman Sherry Har ris, who is also a member of the group’s 10- woman, five-man board of directors. Additionally, the organization has decreased its annual membership dues from $35 to $10 to make membership accessible to a broader spec trum of community groups. For more information, contact the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum at ( 202 ) 483 - 6786 .
