Just out., June 18, 2004, Page 13, Image 13

june 10.2004 - J t t S t 0 « t
nnïïïT T !T O 3 T 3 n e u 's
O
ne weekend just couldn’t hold it
all. G et ready for nine days of art,
appreciation and revelry June 19
to 27 when Portland celebrates
Black Pride 2004.
Queer African Americans make up a vibrant
part of Portland s sexual minorities community.
Celebrating multifaceted cul­
tural diversity is what Black
Pride is all about, according
to Maleka Ingram, 31.
“Underrepresented groups
are not given the respect and
opportunities they need to
stay psychologically and spir­
itually healthy in this world,”
she says. "So if it doesn’t
exist, we have to build it.”
Black Pride has been built by Brother to
Brother Portland, an advocacy organization for
gay and bisexual African American men, and
the Portland Black Pride Committee, which
Ingram co-chairs. "This year’s [Black Pride)
board is the most diverse and active group of
individuals I have ever had the opportunity to
organize with,” says Brother to Brother’s
Stephan Herrera, who has helped put on Port­
land Black Pride for three years running.
Because of the wealth of resources on the
committee— from artsy types to party hosts—
Herrera says there was a unique opportunity to
do something bigger than in years past. “We
wanted to reach as many African American
LG BTQ people as possible and cater to their dif­
ferent tastes and likes.”
Outreach efforts include passport booklets,
fliers and good old word of mouth. Ingram says
organizers have targeted a large region through­
out the Northwest, including Washington and
O ut , B lack and P roud
Portland celebrates Black Pride 2 0 0 4
by M eg D aly
with a live DJ, full bar, raffle prizes, food and more.
Wind down the week June 27 with a picnic
and barbecue. People are encouraged to bring a
potluck dish or beverage and spend the after­
noon enjoying the tunes of DJ Kriz.
“This year is different because it’s an organ­
ized community effort,” Herrera says.
Petry adds: “We want to make known...our
political, social, economic views. We want to be
able to encourage.. greater collaboration on issues
that affect queer African Americans— issues such
as health care, domestic violence, the economy.”
Petry also notes that Black Pride is a way of
celebrating the part of the African American
community that is queer. “It’s part of who we
are,” he says. JH
the Willamette Valley. She and
| cal figures and read excerpts of
her friend and fellow commit­
o their speeches and writing.
tee member Nita Reed con­
But Pride weekend is only
tributed their years of contacts
the beginning.
and experience throwing par­
Proud celebrants can catch
ties for African American les­
up on their sleep for a few nights
bians in Portland.
before heading out June 23 for
Ingram says the activities are
the first-ever Black LG BTQ Art
designed to reflect the diversity
Exhibition, an event with art,
of the black queer community.
jazz and libations to honor the
Features Editor M eg D aly can be reached at
At every event, the committee
artistic contributions of queer
megdaly@justout.com.
intends to promote safe-sex
and straight African Americans.
practices and healthy behav­
lift
“We hope to maintain this
alendar
'
iors. In addition to bringing the
momentum,” says committee
black queer community togeth­
• Black LG BTQ A rt Exhibition: 6 to
member Reggie Petry, Alberta
er, organizers also hope to
Arts Pavilion director. “The big
9 p.m. June 23 at Alberta Arts Pavilion,
strengthen collaborations with
thing for next year will be to build
2315 N.E. Alberta St.
other queers of color.
our sponsorship and get artists
• African American LG BTQ Movie Night
■
from around the country.”
It’s not about separatism, D J Kriz spins tunes at Black
and Panel Discussion: 6:30 to 10 p.m. June 24
stresses Ingram. She notes that Pride 2003
On June 24, Portland Black
at Portland State University’s Smith Memorial
many queer African Americans
Pride presents two films on the
Student Union Browsing Lounge, 1825 S.W.
in Portland have partners of a different race.
queer African American experience: Butch Mys-
Broadway.
“W hat’s helpful,” she says, “is for white allies to
nque by Deborah Wilson and Black Is, Black Ain't
• Blatino Club N ight: 9 p.m. until late
understand what we’re trying to do.”
by Marlon Riggs.
June 25 at C .G Slaughters, 219 N.W. Davis St.
Herrera adds, “All the events we are having
By June 25, it will be time to get the groove
Suggested donatipn $3-$5.
are open to the whole community.”
on again for Blatino Club Night. This black and
• Blackout 2 0 0 4 : 9 p.m. until late June 26
Committee members expect this to be the
Latino party is co-sponsored by Si Puedes, a sup­
at Portland Metro Club, 618 S.E. Alder St.
city’s biggest Black Pride celebration yet. The
port group for queer Latinos.
Cover $7.
festivities kick off June 19 and 20 with Portland
But Blatino Club Night is only a precursor to
• Picnic and barbecue: 2 p.m. June 27 at
Pride 2004. During the parade, marchers will
this year’s big extravaganza: Blackout 2004. Every­
Columbia Park, North Lombard and Woolsey
carry portraits of prominent black queer histori-
one is welcome to dance the night away June 26 »streets.
/ fy. V
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