Joe Ann Mack and Kayron will present their first annual appreciation night for the African American lesbian community Sunday, Sept. 4. The show will take place at the historical ‘Chicago Legend’s’ (previously called Mr. Ricky’s), 2109 S. Wabash Ave., in Chicago.
After more than 20 years as a party promoter on the South Side of Chicago serving thousands of African American lesbians and attending numerous celebratory functions throughout the gay and lesbian community, Joe Ann Mack decided that it was time for ‘the young folk in our community to know that this is not a fad but a lifestyle’. She says that ‘the better clubs in the city do not welcome us or open their doors often for us to party, and we need to start realizing that the history for Black lesbians in this great city is rich and enduring’. Through the years she has managed to get a few club owners to embrace her. Originally she was at the 411 Club (1980s) and also The New Edition (’90). Today Joe Ann is with Touch Bases 2, having parties every last Saturday of the month with Phyl Thomas (an honoree) at 1356 West 79th St.
With gratitude in mind she chose Kayron to help her promote the idea and bring it to life. ‘I chose Kayron because of her endurance and supportive attitude. It does not matter to her if you attend her party at Club Escape, 1530 East 75th St., on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturday of the month, she supports everyone including those who are not lesbians but have parties for the lesbian community.