PRIDE GUIDE 1998 GAY PEOPLE's ChronICLE
B-29
Blackout '98 is set for Independence Day weekend
Cleveland-Ohio's first and largest event celebrating African American lesbian and gay culture will once again be one of the highlights of the summer activities schedule. Set for Independence Day weekend, BlackOut '98 will feature a variety of cultural, educational and entertainment events.
This year's activities will center around The Exchange, formerly the African American Gay and Lesbian Cultural and Educational Conference. It will feature national and local scholars and leaders conducting workshops and forums dealing with topics important to lesbians and gay men of color.
The theme of The Exchange is "Broadening Our Expectations: Taking it to the Next Level."
"It's not a coincidence that the theme corresponds to the name of our publication, also called The Next Level, explained BlackOut Productions co-founder Derek Barnett. "We're constantly advancing our goal of igniting our community to move forward."
The BlackOut '98 event committee is currently narrowing its list of potential speakers and sponsors.
"Now that we have a track record to stand on, people and organizations will have even more reasons to support us," said Larry Webb, Black Out's other co-founder. "Hundreds of lesbian and gay sisters and brothers turned out
for BlackOut '97-we made history in this town."
When asked what attendees could expect different this year, Webb replied, "We're going to bring more community partners on board and help them promote their own independent events that will take place during the weekend. Also, we're working hard to acquire more support from our sponsors to ensure that some of the events, especially The Exchange, will be more accessible.
BlackOut Productions established itself as a dynamic leader in Cleveland's African American lesbian and gay community as a result of the success of BlackOut '97.
"We were proud to be able to present MOCCAA [Men of Color Concerned About AIDS] with a gift of $1,000 last year," Barnett said. "It was a small step in the direction that we are going to have to move in order to ensure our community flourishes in the next century."
Black Out Productions, Ltd. is a consulting firm specializing in marketing, event coordination and program development. Its mission is to raise the level of consciousness in and about the African American lesbian and gay community.
For more information about BlackOut '98 in Cleveland, call 216-462-0257, or toll-free 888-TALK-2-BOP (888-825-5226).
BLACKOUT PRODUCTIONS
BLACKOUT
PRODUCTIONS
TY
EXAS
DOTALL
Blackout '97 organizers join author James Earl Hardy at last summer's event. They are (l to r) Larry Webb, Roslyn Roberts, Derek Barnett, Hardy, and Lois Jones.
Black Pride moves toward tax-exempt status
This year's weekend is set for August 14 though 16
Cleveland-Black Pride organizers have been busy taking care of several behind-thescenes details as they get ready to present the second annual event, scheduled for August 16.
On April 29, Cleveland Black Pride, Inc. learned that they had been granted corporate status after a months-long process that included registration of officers and a new code of regulations with the Ohio secretary of state.
Becoming a corporate citizen is but one step in the process of becoming a federal non-profit, tax-exempt corporation falling under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). Taxexempt status will allow donors to Cleveland Black Pride, Inc. to claim an exemption for charitable contributions on their income taxes, enable the group to apply for certain grants and other funding unavailable at present, and exempt it from sales taxes.
"I'm just glad that the first phase of (obtaining non-profit status) proceeded with few difficulties," noted Jasper Slaughter, president of Cleveland Black Pride. "Now that we have become an Ohio corporation we can move on to the next phase of fulfilling the rest of the Internal Revenue Service requirements."
Cleveland Black Pride, Inc. has a clear vision of its future.
"Our intent is to keep moving forward," Slaughter said. Black Gay Pride Weekend
'98 is scheduled for August 14 through 16. During this weekend, the group will launch an initiative aimed at high risk youth who are struggling with questions about their sexuality and may be experiencing negative behavior from fellow students, teachers and family due to their sexual orientation.
"The goal is to teach gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth positive coping skills that will help enhance their self-esteem, thereby reducing the risk of drug abuse, suicide and other self-destructive behaviors," Slaughter said.
He continued, "We would like to give kids a positive image of what it means to be black and gay, lesbian, bi or trans. There are role models out there who can serve as examples of how rich our lives can be."
Also planned for Black Pride Weekend '98 are workshops for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people; a special keynote speaker; vendors; a showcase of local talent; and other activities currently in the planning stages.
"We have focused all of our efforts on empowering Cleveland's Black gay community," said Slaughter. "We are an organization of approximately 14 individuals from diverse backgrounds who speak with one voice and with one goal-being a positive force for black lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people in Cleveland and northeast Ohio."
Cleveland Black Pride was initially formed on July 25, 1996 through the efforts of four dedicated individuals. With the addition of several other members, the organization held northeast Ohio's very first Black Gay Pride Weekend on August 15 through 17, 1997 with keynote speaker Mandy Carter, national
Men
field director for the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum.
Cleveland Black Pride, Inc. is the only organization dedicated to the empowerment of the area's black LGBT population through education, awareness and community involvement.
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