On June 2, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus held its second annual gala, “Spring Fling,” at Mae District, 19 E. 21st St. Guests were treated to an afternoon of music, high-end chocolates, hors d’oeuvres, art and whiskey, while the Caucus inducted behind-the-scenes activists and supporters into the Black LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame.
The visual motif for the event was white clothing, and this edition of the gala also included both a live soundtrack of smooth soul music provided by vocalist Gregory Stewart and Vince De and a spirited live auction led by Jaqueline Coleman of Vision Que! There was also an art exhibition and a whiskey-tasting coupled with a history lesson by Jeff Timms, regional marketing director of Uncle Nearest Whiskey.
Dr. Mario Pierce was presented with the Community Leader Award, while Peter Gaona received the Joel Hall Creative Vision Award. Noel Green became the 2024 Sidney Thomas Health Advocacy inductee, while Dr. Mildred Williamson was named as the Lora Branch Community Ally. The new Community Choice Award proved to be controversial; three competing nominees were named—Jordan Baker, Paulo Colby, and Joel Jackson—with Jackson emerging as the winner. Donald Bell was inducted with the Ben Montgomery Civic Engagement Award.
Executive Director Keith R. Green greeted guests at the start of the award ceremony, reminding the audience that the Caucus is the oldest and only organization in Chicago focused on the health and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ men, and has steadily made progress in the Black community since its start in 2005.
Sponsors of Spring Fling included Gilead, Chicago Department of Health, Uncle Nearest Whiskey, Equality Illinois and Howard Brown Health.
