Famed writer and Civil Rights activist, Terry Angel Mason, is returning to Chicago thanks to the collaborative efforts of Affinity Community Services, Teen Living Programs (TLP), UCAN, and the University of Chicago’s Office of LGBTQ Life and Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA). An Evening with Terry Angel Mason will be hosted at the OMSA/LGBTQ Student Life offices at 5710 S. Woodlawn on April 28, 2010. Mr. Mason will be discussing his Pulitzer Prize-Nominated novel,Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent.
A discussion of Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, a collection of writings, short stories, and poems that has been credited with opening a dialogue about sexuality and same-gender-loving relationships within the Black community, including the Black church, was hosted by Affinity’s Youth Leadership Institute last fall. “Angel’s discussion helped launch some of Affinity’s ongoing efforts to develop work to bridge LGBTQ and faith communities,” said Kim Hunt, executive director of Affinity Community Services.
“The Office is excited about this opportunity to bring Angel to campus to discuss intersecting identities within the LGBT community,” said Jeffrey Howard, Director of the Office of LGBTQ Student Life.
Affinity, TLP, and UCAN are 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations. Affinity has a core constituency of African American lesbians, bisexual and transgender women and LGBTQ youth of color and is a social justice organization that focuses on health advocacy, leadership development, and community building. TLP delivers comprehensive, long-term solutions to youth without homes who strive for self-sufficiency and community connection. UCAN’s mission is to build strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education, and empowerment.
The Office of LGBTQ Student Life provides programs, services and resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students in the College, graduate divisions, and professional schools at The University of Chicago. OMSA supports the academic success of students of color at the University of Chicago and works to build an inclusive campus community by providing programs that focus on enriching students’ experiences and encouraging cross-cultural dialogue on campus.
The event is being hosted in an accessible space. Light refreshments will be served. Books will be available for sale during this thought-provoking event. The public is invited.