On Oct. 4, E3 Radio held the 11th Annual Purple Tie Affair, at Sidetrack Video Bar in front of a packed room.
The event not only aimed to refill the coffers for itself but to also give back to Task Force Prevention Services, while pointing to the need for and importance of local queer and Black journalism.
Guests mingled and participated in a silent auction and a raffle with entertainment provided by Kenyotta Stewart and her daughter Cinnamon, and drag performer Cleopockalipps.
Trina Tru Luv Robinson and Cleopockalipps served as emcee, with DJ Tay providing beats. Recipients of the “Build Your Own Table” award went to business partners Vera Washington and Pat McCombs.
The evenings program started with Chris Balthazer of Task Force Prevention Services taking the stage and saying, “Task Force is the oldest Black-led LGBTQ+ organization in Chicago. For over three decades, we have been rooted on the West Side, creating safe spaces where LGBTQ+ youth of color can find community, access critical resources, and live authentically with dignity and pride.”
He also said, “Your support tonight helps us continue to break down barriers, to stand against discrimination, and to make sure that every young person knows they are seen, they are valued, and they belong. Together we are not just raising funds…we are raising hope, raising voices, and raising up the next generation of leaders.”
After the performances and the awards, E3 Radio creator, founder and CEO Anna DeShawn took to the stage amid rowdy cheers from the audience.
After thanking the crowd, she said, “Time is something we can never give back, so when people choose to show up for you, it’s something I can’t take for granted.”
After remarking on the unwavering support of her family, DeShawn said, “In a time when the free press, which is the foundation of any democracy is under attack and underfunded, the most important thing we can do is exist…exist unapologetically. When you all show up you co-sign that. This is the most important Purple Tie event we’ve ever had.”
She said, “All of you showing up means you support Black queer-owned media…that you support local journalism, that you support community organizations…that you support people who look like me.”
DeShawn added, “We can continue reporting all over the city, when we look at our Alderwoman Jessie Fuentes, who was detained by ICE just yesterday.”
She closed by saying, “There is much work to be done and protecting, fiercely protecting local journalism is incredibly important right now.”
Pat McCombs and Vera Washington became legendary women’s dance divas when they joined Executive Sweets, a social group for women of color in the late ‘80s. When the current leaders left, McCombs and Washington took over the organization and produced a newsletter and newspaper, which reached well over 1,500 women.
Executive Sweets became the oldest and largest women’s party group in Chicago, spanning decades of now-legendary women’s events.
E3 Radio has been broadcasting online since 2009. The organization is focused on ensuring that LGBTQ+ stories continue to be told, amplified, and celebrated and to support local grassroots organizations making change in Chicago and to keep independent Black and queer media alive and thriving.
Sponsors of Purple Tie Affair 2025 included Affinity Community Services, The Qube, Sidetrack Video Bar, Equality Illinois, Lambda Legal, Center on Halsted, Chicago Sky, 1440 and World Business Chicago.
