Affinity holds annual 'Burning Bowl' event

In an annual tradition, Affinity Community Services marked the new year with Burning Bowl, an annual affirmation ceremony. The event took place at Hyde Park Union Church Jan. 5.

According to its Facebok page, “Burning Bowl is a longstanding Affinity tradition that involves purging the previous year’s challenges and negativity, writing down affirmations, goals, and focus areas for the current year, words of inspiration, special performances, and fellowship.”

Longtime activist Vernita Gray was the keynote speaker, and KOKUMO Kinetic was among the performers. Also, Affinity surpassed its $5,000 fundraising goal, which includes pledges.

Photos of the event by Katie Sikora. For Additional Photospread, click on the link: windycitytimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/photospreadthumbs.php?APUB=wct&ADATE=2013-01-08&AGALLERY=Burningchosen620.