By Alena Scarver
On June 4, the Windy City Black Pride organization held a town hall meeting to discuss issues concerning social issues relating to black LGBTQ people at Andersen Gym, located at 3748 S. Prairie in the Bronzeville neighborhood.
The town hall meeting consisted of facilitators holding small group discussions centering on the topics of political empowerment, violence, community service, youth and education. After general discussion, participants were asked to join the group that they felt the most passionate about.
Charlene Moore, a mother of a lesbian daughter and a board member of Windy City Black Pride, attended the meeting in full support of gay and lesbian rights. ‘If we don’t let our kids know what is out there, then what will they have.’
Among the groups, people expressed their viewpoints and opinions about ways to make positive changes in the community. ‘The 1980s called for action concerning HIV/AIDS.’ The small group discussion ended everyone reconvened into a larger group to discuss the ideas that were generated in the small circles.
Charles Nelson, chair of Windy City Black Pride, said that the purpose for this meeting is to expand the message of the organization. ‘We want more visibility. We want this organization to be known for more than just the parties.’
One of the common themes discussed during the meetings was not enough community support. Each participant at the meeting committed to bring five new people to the next town hall meeting to spread the word and make more impact.
‘People need to realize that needs are lacking in all communities and they must be met whether they are Black, gay or whatever,’ Nelson said.