Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 2005)
October 21. 2005 ’ jUSt OUt ig nTîT7TïT7TÎTInews F inding a P lace in the M ovement Gays embraced, then excluded from Million Man March commemoration by Bob Roehr eaders of the black queer community were shocked and dismayed at the roller coaster of reconciliation and inclusion, then the last-minute rejeo- tion of their participation in the Mil lions More Movement event Oct. 15 on the Mall in Washington, D.C. The rally served to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March and re invigorate community empowerment. This time the Rev. Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam had the support of many other leaders of the African-American community who had shunned the earlier gathering. In February, Farrakhan publicly welcomed the participation of gays and lesbians in activi ties, hut a series of communications between the Millions More Movement and queer leaders resulted in little progress toward that end. There was a further setback in July when the Rev. Willie Wilson, executive director of the event, made what many considered to he inflammato ry remarks about queers while preaching at his church in D.C. The National Black Justice Coalition took Farrakhan to task at a news conference Oct. 11 for continuing to exclude them from the event. That resulted in an Oct. 12 meeting with him and Wilson. “Rev. Wilson was a huge obstacle. He refused to shake our hands when we walked in; he yelled and screamed the whole time,” said coalition president Keith Boykin. “Minister Farrakhan was very understanding, polite and respectful.” Coalition executive director H. Alexander Robinson continued: “We had a very gcxid conversation with Min ister Farrakhan on a wide range of issues that we share. At the end of the meeting it was Rev. Wilson that suggested that Keith be the speak er, and Minister Far rakhan agreed.” Boykin added: “We After initially being welcomed by the Rev. Louis Farrakhan, queer partici showed up at 8 a.m. pants in the Millions More March were denied access to the podium. ACT NOW! G q W i RELESS F h You’ rawghty Miioween Introducing FREE Q-Network Calling Between 47 Million Verizon Wireless Customers From The National (^Network Coverage Area While Supplies Last Hollywood Store 3004 NE Broadway Portland, OR 97232 503-280-4448 Buy one for $19.99 get up to 3 additional phones F [Oct. 15| to get VIP credentials for me, Alexan der and Ldonna [Payne, coalition vice president and a field organizer for the Human Rights Campaign], and they didn’t have any for any of us. We were escorted to the stage area to talk with Sister Claudette Muhammad, who was our liaison to Farrakhan." Payne said: “Rev. Wilson came over and said to me, ‘You will not be-speaking.’ He had a smirk on his face.” Wilson claimed the group had not responded in rime, and he walked off. National Black Justice Coalition president Keith The National Black Justice Coalition and Boykin speaks at an event commemorating the the D.C. Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays 10th anniversary of the Million Man March. had organized a rally as part of the We Are Fam ily Unity Weekend. They gathered that morn “Today, because of one person, we are unable to ing, a few blocks away at Freedom Plaza, prior to do that.” marching to rhe Mall. Boykin profusely praised Farrakhan’s recent acts and statements of inclusion. He said, “The “Rev. Willie Wilson is a snake in the grass, and he must learn that his ignorance, arrogance diversity of speakers assembled here today is a and back-stabbing will not be tolerated,” Ster powerful signal that we in the black community ling Washington, co-chairman of rhe D.C. will not allow ourselves to be divided by differ ences of opinion, religion, gender, class or sexu coalition, told the rally. “If he wants a fight, al orientation ever again.” then a fight he will get.” He raised the names of Bayard Rustin, Billy Bishop Zachary G. Jones of Unity Fellowship Strahorn, Lorraine Hansberry, James Baldwin, Church in New York City said: “In my family, Audre Lorde and Alvin Ailey as having added 1 know that when those heterosexual couples much to both the black and gay communities have their little problems, and they need some through their work. He said: “That’s why 1 am body within the family to kind of bridge the gap, here today—to honor their legacy. We share rhe and they need the gay uncle to participate with same goals and aspirations of the rest of the black financial support, they know how to pick tip rhe community, but none of us can accomplish those phone. That’s rhe inside voice.” Boykin was rhe last to speak. He said, “This goals without unity and courage.” JH has been a challenging week, and yet, we are still not defeated.” He added that the point of B ob R oehr is a free-lance reporter based in Washington, D.C. his prepared speech was to get beyond rhe past 'll !■ by Fred Meyer Audiovox 8910 The $19,W area! Check out our Super nation’s largest calling Value Pack: Leather case, a car charger, lifetime repair, lifetime battery exchange, lifetime replacement on accessories, 25% off all accessory purchases, and lifetime data transfer!!! gg^Add Additional j Ask store for details! www.gowireless.net •$O”j VOrí 7On wireless Friendly, Knowledgeable, Convenient ♦ Limited to rtock on hand. No rain checks. Restrictions apply. See rtore for details. U s\xc "^S
