The State of Black Gay America Summit in Atlanta - Let’s Talk, It’s Time To Act!

This year’s Atlanta Black Gay Pride will introduce a landmark gathering for Black gay activists, artists and service providers. The State of Black Gay America Summit (SBGAS) will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2007 11am to 3pm at the Renaissance Hotel on West Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. As the name suggests, the forum will gather local and national community workers to engage the communities they serve in a rigorous dialogue assessing the cultural, political, socioeconomic, and health related issues germane to Black queer communities. The SBGAS was organized by Darlene Hudson, a Black lesbian activist focused on multi-issue social justice, and is being co-produced with two prominent entertainment organizers, veteran promoter Phillip Boone, Owner of PHD Entertainment and Greg Allen, Owner, Xtreme Entertainment.

"During the Labor Day weekend , the summit will offer stimulating conversation about issues relevant to our day-to-day living. Some may be coming from locations where they don’t have these discussions or are too closeted to attend public forums at home," Hudson stated. She believes that Black lgbt people are long due for such an initiative given the rise of anti-gay efforts targeting Black communities. In one of last year’s most shocking news bulletins, Charlene Cothran, publisher and editor-in-chief of Venus Magazine, a magazine for Black lgbt people, proclaimed that she has renounced her homosexuality and come to Christ. Last fall, a billboard featuring a Black man and promoting and ex-gay conference was strategically displayed near Auburn Ave in an historically Black neighborhood. Hudson hopes that the SBGAS will bring about more than just talk. "So much has happened with this ex-gay Christian movement that is affecting us directly. It is time for us to get registered to vote, to get involved in key campaigns and learn about the issues, especially the importance of working with neighborhood associations. We have got to learn more about how to influence legislation." "As we play host to thousands of visitors to Atlanta Black Gay Pride, we want to offer them an empowering experience that will motivate them to return to their respective cities with a sense of both pride and commitment to affect change in the African-American lgbt community" said Allen.

The summit will be facilitated by Anthony Antoine, a popular artist/organizer and founder of Atlanta’s "Stand Up and Represent" Black Gay Pride march. Confirmed speakers include Mary Anne Adams, Rev. Clay Allen, Kelvin Barlow, Ulester Douglas, Dr. David Malebranche, Rev. Kathi Martin, Tracee McDaniel, Rev. Dennis Meredith, Rev. James Orange, and Craig Washington. There is no admission fee to attend the State of Black Gay America Summit . There will be a luncheon for which will a fee will be charged. Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets for the luncheon, please go to www.atlantaprideweekend.com.

Special Community Links : www.afterthephyre.org, and www.secondsundayatl.org

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