Mandy Carter is one of the nation's leading African
American lesbian activists. An extraordinary political activist, Carter has organized the grassroots in almost every major
region of this country over the last 30-plus years.
Mandy grew up in upstate NY Born November 2, 1948,
in Albany, NY where she was raised in orphanages and foster care. She arrived in NC via San Francisco. Mandy's early
political activism includes her work with the War Resistors League. Mandy was an early director of NCPRIDEPAC, and helped
found SONG--Southerners On New Ground -- at the Durham Creating Change Conference in 1993. A noted speaker, Mandy has traveled
extensively, educating audiences about LGBT rights in a broader social justice movement. A winner of the prestigious Stonewall
Award, Mandy Carter has enough energy for an army of organizers, and she never fails to maintain her sense of humor. Mandy
is an articulate and non-confrontational doer, who get things accomplished by her motivational mentoring and by exemplary
and tireless activity. She has forged strong and indelible ties between the natural allies that exist in the African-American,
religious, and LGBT communities. Mandy is unforgettable as a symbol of what organizational skill can mean to the development
of a movement and the centering of a culture. [Read More]
Some women come into "the
life" through many doors.She may walk through the doors of a gay and lesbian
center, or a gay and lesbian organization while in college.She may walk through
the door of a lesbian club after circling the site for days or months before entering.She may walk into the life of another woman and fall in love.Later, when
the heat of the relationship grows cold, realize she is who she is and will seek out other women like herself.She may walk through the door of a good friend and find herself in her good friend?s bed, discovering
her bisexuality and later, realize she is a lesbian.She may walk through the
doors of a swinger?s club where both men and women cohort together and soon discover she really does prefer women to
men.She may even walk through the door of an instructor?s office, like
I did, and find herself being introduced to women who do not identify as lesbians, but as women who prefer the company of
other women. [Read More]
Multimedia
Gay Marriage and African Americans, Part 2
Wednesday, Massachusetts legislators debated whether to
amend their state's constitution to ban same-sex marriages. NPR's Tavis Smiley talked to Jasmyne Cannick with the Gay &
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and Keith Boykin, a long-time gay rights activist and president of the National Black
Justice Coalition.
» Listen to Gay Marriage and African Americans, Part 2
» Gay Marriage and African Americans, Part 1
If the listening links above fail to work, go to site
here: http://www.npr.org/rundowns/segment.php?wfId=1670553
Keeping History The Black Gay and Lesbian Archive by
Sidney Brinkley (Blacklight Online)
Steven G. Fullwood is a collector of Black Gay history. He is the curator of the Black Gay and Lesbian Archive, developed
for the sole purpose of documenting Black Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Same Gender Loving cultures. BGLA officially
began in 2000 and presently holds hundreds of items. ?I have books, magazines, journals, flyers, music, film/videos,
and other related files that so far measures twelve linear feet,? he said. ?Actually the archive started before
I started it, meaning that much of what I owned as a collector inaugurated the archive.? [Read More]
Love and Blessings: A Moment with Me'Shell Ndege'ocello
By Ronda Racha Penrice (Swirl Magazine)
Me'Shell Ndege'ocello can not be categorized and the gatekeepers of
the industry hate that. How many times have we read that Me'shell doesn't sell records because she is gay. This is despite
the fact that she refuses to classify herself. "I don't really care," she says. "Whatever. I just like to go play, have a
good time." And that's what pisses them off.
She's bold. Unlike other new artists, she came into the game irreverent.
"If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night)," her first single from Plantation Lullabies, shocked many with its audacity.
In 1993, affairs were discreet, especially on the part of women. Listening to today's records, female singers are still not
in confrontation mode. Amazingly, over the years, Me'Shell hasn't lost that fire. She still does not buck down to anyone.
[Read More]
On The Web
Kimberly "Q"
Kimberly "Q", is Artistic Director
and Co-Founder of ToDaz Woman Productions. She is an actress, singer, writer, has performed
in numerous award winning productions such as, The Children?of the Night, winner of 3 NAACP awards, and a GLAAD
award; Shakin The Mess Outta Misery, winner of an OOBR; and is a six-time AUDELCO award winner, ?Best Supporting
Actress? in 1998 for Gertrude Jeannette?s Gladys? Dilemma and ?Best Leading Actress?
in 2002 for her one-woman piece entitled J?ai Deux Amours? A Journey With Josephine Baker and four AUDELCO's
including Best Dramatic Production in American Menu.
"Q", as she is so affectionately called, has been hailed
by the Los Angeles Times as a " high-steppin actress with drop dead looks" and by the New York Times as "a convincingly, satisfying
actress". "Acting is life; life that changes and grows and if you don't live it?you're not in it!" Know your past,
because it is the key to
your future!"
Her most recent production, J'ai
Deux Amours...A Journey With Josephine Baker was written and Performed by Kimberly "Q". J'ai Deux Amours...A Journey With Josephine Baker, takes you through the life and career
of Madame Josephine Baker. From her start as a street performer to her taking Paris by storm; her stance on civil rights,
to her undercover days as a spy for the French Resistance; her motivation to adopt 12 children to her eviction from her precious
Les Milandes and right back to her triumphant return to stardom! A spectacular and inspirational story that will leave you
saying "For what I may have known of Josephine, I've learned even more."
Discover ToDaz Woman and other productions on their website at: http://todazwoman.org/index.html
BUTCH MYSTIQUE gets personal and
political with the stories of butch, black lesbians revealed in bold, lucid interviews.
Butch Mystique Debra Wilson, 34 min, dv, color Preview
Playing On Showtime's Black Filmmaker Showcase:
Butch Mystique February 4, 2004
Butch Mystique a film by Debra Wilson (USA)
BUTCH MYSTIQUE is a documentary
by Debra Wilson that exposes the rules, thoughts, passions, and concerns of African American butch-stud, identified lesbians.
Women from varying backgrounds-as mothers, activists, and artists - share raw, powerful and intimate thoughts on being outside
the norm, being powerful butch identified women and being themselves.
Air Date:
Showtime Black Filmmaker Showcase: February 4, 2004 @ 8:00 p.m. Butch Mystique (Color/34:52)
Other Sheduled Showings: February 14, 2004: 12:15 p.m. Showtime Too February
15, 2004: 12:00 p.m. Showtime For more info, visit Showtime
Ms. Wilson is an award-winning filmmaker whose most recent work, Butch Mystique, opened to critical acclaim
at the San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.
Butch Mystique Debra
Wilson, 34 min, dv, color Preview
There
was a time in America when
to call a person an 'abolitionist' was the ultimate epithet. It evoked scorn in the North and outrage in the South. Yet they
were the harbingers of things to come. They were on the right side of history. Prof. Angela Y. Davis stands in that proud,
radical tradition."
LESBIAN AND GAY SCHOLARS OF AFRICAN DESCENT HONORED IN ANNUAL CELEBRATION
ATLANTA— ZAMI, Inc., an organization for lesbians of African descent based in the Atlanta Metropolitan area, is awarding
14 scholars from across the country with $1000 scholarships. These students are *out* lesbian and gay men who are making
significant contributions to their communities.
ZAMI established its Audre Lorde scholarship fund in 1995 and awarded
its first two scholarships in 1997 of $1000 each. Since that time, the fund has awarded 48 scholarships to lesbian and gay
men of African descent.The Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund is named in honor of
Audre Lorde (1934-1992) Lorde; former State Poet of New York published nine volumes of poetry and five works of prose. She
identified as a black lesbian, warrior poet and is internationally regarded as a significant contributor to the struggle
for women's liberation and lesbian and gay rights.
* The Awards and Recipients are as follows:
The Sadiqua Bey Memorial Award: Kendra G. Mann, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
The Hannah Guishard Award: Hagar Pleasant- Bey, Trinity College, Washington, D.C.
The Sheryl Burke Award: Leslie Johnson, Stanford University, Stanford, California Crystal S.
Wiley, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia and Tineka Johnson, Ross University, Edison, New Jersey The Cherie
Caldwell Award: Shayna Robinson, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland The Ruth Ellis Award funded by Wendy
Belkin: Sharon Thomas, University of Washington, Tacoma, Washington and Clarice Thompson, University of Mississippi,
Oxford, Mississippi
The Sha' Mendon Award: Andreka Brundage, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia The Ronald Moore Humanitarian Award: Melissa Gordon, Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee
The Tony Daniels Ally Award funded by ADODI Muse: Skyler Jackson, Stanford University, Stanford, California
The Marlon Riggs Social Justice Award funded by David Gillespie: Charles Stephens, Georgia State University,
Atlanta, Georgia
The Keiron Williams Hero Award funded by Kevin Bynes: Louis Dixon, California State University, Dominguez Hills,
California
* Unless, otherwise noted, the 2003 awards are named after the person who donated the scholarship.
For detailed information on the 2003 Recipients and Donors, please
visit our website at www.zami.org
Annually, ZAMI lauds the recipients in a celebratory weekend produced specifically to honor their achievements:
Saturday, September 27, 2003 11-2 pm ZAMI hosts a Jazz Brunch in Adele’s Garden to thank our supporters featuring
Vocals by Lillie Huddleston and Piano by Penelope Williams, Songs by the Atlanta Feminist Women's Chorus and Musical
and Poetic offerings by the 2003 Audre Lorde Scholarship Recipients.
Please call 404 370-1392 for exact location.
General $20.00 ZAMI Members $15.00 Students $10.00
Tickets can be purchased at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta
Saturday, September 27, 2002 8:00 pm ZAMI honors the 2003 Audre Lorde Scholarship Recipients in a celebratory
program at The First Existentialist Congregation, 470 Candler Park Drive, N.E., Atlanta
Keynote Speaker: Scholar-Playwright-Minister-Activist, Dr. Shirlene Holmes
Entertainment provided by many of Atlanta's premiere lesbian and gay performers:
Lilli Lewis, ADODI Muse, Latonya Peoples, Louisa McCullough, Angelina Huguely and Rev. Antonio Jones.
This Program is free and open to the public.
ZAMI's primary mission is to empower and affirm the lives of lesbians of African descent through providing outreach
and education, leadership development, support/ discussion groups, scholarship funds,and social activities,.
Looking for an experienced woman of color camera person to work on
a 3 week shoot during November in Brasil for a documentary entitled Estilo Hip Hop.
Must have own camera, with accompanyng accessories, i.e lenses and
cables.
Must be willing to work in a cooperative, collective environment.
Fluency in Spanish highly preferable but not mandatory.
Competitive salary.
Estilo Hip Hop is a provocative documentary that chronicles the revolutionary
inspired hip hop movements of the Caribbean and Latin America. Please contact Loira Limbal at
Interested applicants can submit reels and resumes to: Estilo
Hip Hop 877 Empire Blvd. Apt, A6 Brooklyn, NY 11213
Los Angeles ,CA (Sep. 22, 2003) - Pacifica radio station KPFK 90.7 FM presents professor, author and
activist Angela Yvonne Davis in Los Angeles on Friday, October 10, 2003 at 7 p.m. for a discussion surrounding her new
book " Are Prisons Obsolete? " (Seven Stories Publishing). The event will take place at Holman United Methodist Church
located at 3320 west Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles . Tickets for this event are $15 and free for youth 12 and under.
Tickets can be purchased through KPFK's website at www.kpfk.org or by calling (818) 985-2711 extension 210. A limited number of tickets will be available the day of the event.
For more information, please visit www.kpfk.org.
The exponential rise in prison population and disproportionate representation of minorities within it have proved a domestic
failure. In her long essay on the roots of this national crisis, celebrated author and activist Angela Y. Davis deftly examines
the logic of imprisonment and the motivations of the corrections system itself.
In Are Prisons Obsolete?, leading prison scholar Angela Davis presents a convincing challenge to the efficacy of incarceration
as a means of preventing crime and reforming prisoners. In this impressively researched work Davis addresses the problem of
incarceration with startling clarity, cogently debunking the relationship between crime rates and the incarceration explosion
of the last two decades. Exploring the construction of criminality and the history of incarceration, she unsettles the notion
of prison as a "natural" system, instead addressing incarceration as a particular historic outgrowth to be overcome by the
work of social movements.
In six concise sections Davis presents a comprehensive and usable history of imprisonment, debunks its myths, and suggests
a path forward to systems of justice shaped by strategies of reparation, rather than retribution. Suggesting parallels between
states of incarceration and slavery, Davis's argument draws on the strengths of historic abolition movements; critiques the
inevitable pitfalls of prison reform efforts by the state; addresses how gender structures the prison system; and explains
the rapacious logic of the prison industrial complex. In a visionary last chapter on abolitionist alternatives Davis powerfully
suggests the democratic possibilities in new approaches to justice. Uncompromising in its vision, Are Prisons Obsolete? is
a call for nothing short of "new terrains of justice."
a film by Korean American film director Dai Sil Kim-Gibson
w/ cinematography by Charles Burnett
Wet Sand: Voices from LA Ten Years Later is a documentary
exploring the aftermath of the 1992 LA Civil Unrest a decade later through the stories of the victims and witnesses
from multi-ethnic communities. A panel discussion consisting of community workers and experts from diverse groups will
follow the screening.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003 @ 7:30 p.m.
Aratani/Japan America Theatre is located at
244 S. San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles.
A five dollar (5$) donation is suggested but not required
Convenient parking is located across the theatre on San Pedro Street.
For event reservations, please call the box office or the
Visual Communications Event Line at (213) 680-4462 ext. 58
We are now reading previously unpublished short stories, diary entries, one-act plays, poetry and essays for an anthology
entitled, "Don't Piss Off the Cook: The Kitchen Table Diaries." Submissions are encouraged from all parts of the
globe and inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, religions, races and ethnicities.
Edited by Monalesia Earle and Russell Campbell, this anthology will celebrate the women in our lives: their impact upon
us, how they protect and nurture us, their ability to prevail in the face of adversity/oppression/exclusion, and their unique
gifts to the human race.
We are interested in stories/poetry, etc., that explore the lives, the power, and the influence of women from the back
woods of rural counties and provinces (farmers); from domestic help (west indians and blacks); from migrant workers (mexicans);
from the families of Holocaust survivors; and from gypsies, africans, muslims, and aborigines. Virtually any story that deals
with the power (unrecognized or otherwise) of women--and how their struggles have inspired, challenged, or changed us--is
welcome.
Closing Date: October 31, 2003 (This deadline may be extended, depending upon the needs of the editors and publisher.)
For complete guidelines, e-mail Monalesia at: saysun90@hotmail.com
The Pan African Film and Arts Festival invites you to...
OUTFEST's Weekly Screening
Wednesday, September 17, 7:30pm BROTHER OUTSIDER: THE LIFE OF BAYARD RUSTIN
Winner: Outfest 2003 Audience Award, OUTstanding Documentary Feature (tie) DIR: Nancy Kates & Bennett
Singer, 2002, USA, video, 84 min. Bayard Rustin, a leader of the American civil rights movement and chief organizer of
the historic 1963 March on Washington, struggled much of his life against both racism and homophobia. Openly gay, he remained
in the background for the sake of the movement, only to be sacrificed by its leaders as a political liability. Although a
mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr. on the tactics of nonviolent resistance, Rustin has long dwelt in the shadows. This stirring
film gives Rustin his due, honoring his crucial contribution to American political thought and following his emergence as
a gay rights activist in later years. Testimonials, stirring songs of protest and electrifying archival footage contribute
to this inspiring and long-overdue portrait of conscience in action. IN COLLABORATION WITH: Gentlemen¹s Gentleman
RESERVATIONS: 213-480-7090
General Admission $8 Students/Seniors $7 Outfest Members $7
Ed Gould Plaza is located at 1125 N. McCadden Place, one block east of Highland, north of Santa Monica Blvd.
CHAVELA VARGAS TO MAKE CARNEGIE HALL DEBUT at 84 YEARS OLD
OCESA Presents Promotes Show Scheduled for Carnegie Hall’s IsaacStern Auditorium September 15, 2003,
New York, August 22, 2003 – OCESA Presents Inc., announced today
that it is promoting a once in a lifetime concert, starring the original and extraordinary Chavela Vargas, “Queen of Mexican Song.”On September 15, 2003 at 8:30 PM,the grande dame of Mexican music will be making her Carnegie Hall debut, at the age of eighty-four.The show is being co-produced with Mexican filmmaker Alejandro
Springall, in association with Claudia Norman.Tickets are available at the Carnegie Hall box office (212 247 7800,
www.carnegiehall.org).Ticket prices range from $25.00 to $80.00.
The
best known (and with the longest career) of the Mexican canción ranchera singers, Chavela Vargas began singing rather late
in life.Born in Costa Rica in 1919, and naturalized Mexican, she first sang
professionally in the early 1950s, touring with the legendary José Alfredo Jiménez while in her thirties, and rode a wave
of popular fame well into her 60s.Her first recordings were released in 1961.
As a singer of rancheras - mournful, sentimental ballads that have come to characterize her adopted country’s rich
musical heritage - Vargas transforms every lyric into white-hot images of pain and perseverance. Her sensual and heartbreaking
interpretations have been compared with La Llorona, the ghostly, wailing woman of Mexican myth. The originality of her style
and the deep pain she communicates, singles her out as a very unique talent
The
height of her popularlarity and fame came during the 1960s and '70s, and bridged Mexico and Europe.
Although
she retired in 1979 because of illness, following her recovery, she resurfaced stronger than ever.In 1991, she made a major comeback with stellar concert performances at the Olympia Theatre of Paris, the
Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, the Albéniz Theatre of Madrid, the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, and Teatro Opera
of Buenos Aires.
In the mid 1990s, Pedro Almodóvar helped introduce her to new audiences by incorporating her bold, expressive, and
seductive music into his films.“Nobody, except for Jesus Christ can open their
arms as Chavela Vargas does,” says Almodóvar.
During her career, Vargas has recorded more than 80 albums. Among her best loved and cherished titles are "Macorina,"
"La China," "La Llorona," "Luz de Luna," "Toda Una Vida," "Corazón, Corazón," "Quisiera Amarte Menos," and "Volver, Volver."
In November of 2000, King Juan Carlos of Spain and President José María Aznar, presented Chavela Vargas with "la Cruz
de la Orden de Isabel la Católica," Spain’s most prestigious award for artistic achievement. Vargas and Chilean poet Gabriela
Mistral are the only women ever to have received this commendation.
In
2001, after many offers from filmmakers, Vargas finally accepted the role on film as “La Llorona,” in Julie Taymor’s accalimed
bio-pic Frida.
In her personal life, Ms Vargas associated with leading intellectuals such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Agustín Lara,
and Juan Rulfo, and even befriended political leaders such as Luis Echeverría, who served as President of Mexico, from 1970
to 1976.
Vargas was also known for her outlandish behavior, which violated a number of Mexican taboos. Not only did she wear
trousers and dress as a man, but she also smoked cigars, carried a gun, and sported a "red poncho" in her celebration of folklore.
Spanish singer Joaquín Sabina dubbed her "The woman with the red poncho," as Vargas has come to be known, as well as
"Queen of Mexican song."
Vargas' life has been dedicated to performances that transgress social, gender, and cultural borders through song.
Perhaps because she was afflicted with illness in childhood -including polio and blindness (that she declares were cured by
shamans) - she claims that she shares the stage with her own gods.
About
OCESA PRESENTS
OCESA PRESENTS Inc., CIE’s New York-based International Promoter division, develops and executes international concerts,
touring theatricals, sporting events, and other entertainments, with high profile acts of entertainers and professional athletes
etc., focusing on the markets in Mexico and South America.
OCESA PRESENTS Inc./CIE Events was named POLLSTAR Magazine’s International Promoter of the Year, 2002, at the Concert Industry Awards Held at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, February 8, 2003
OCESA Presents Inc./CIE Events 2002 included:
Red
Hot Chili Peppers, Sir Paul McCartney, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Korn/Linkin Park/Static-X, Riverdance, De La Guarda, Britney
Spears, Roger Waters, Jaguares, Peter Gabriel, Rock en Ñ, The Cranberries, RUSH, La Ley, G3, Estopa, The Wailers/Los Pericos,
Enrique Bunbury, Mana, Dream Theater, Madredeus, Garbage, YES, Gustavo Cerati, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Gorrillas,
Kansas, Foreigner, Café Tacuba, Papa Roach, Avril Lavigne, Nelly Furtado, Pat Metheney, Branford Marsalis, The Strokes, Darren
Hayes, Andrew WK, Shaggy
A Town Hall Forum with Activists of Color at Temple University, Philadelphia
Thursday, September 11, 2003 Kiva Auditorium (Ritter Annex Building at 13th Street between Cecil B. Moore and Montgomery)*
1-3 pm
Free and open to the public
*********************************************
You are welcome to attend the town hall forum, "Whose Terror? Speaking
Out on 9-11," at Temple University's main campus on Thursday, September 11, 2003.
Schedule of Events: Introductory Statements
made by the moderator, Tonya McClary
Panelists: Ewuare Osayande, activist, writer
and author of 911: Riots in the Sky and Black Anti-Ballistic Missives: Resisting War/Resisting Racism (www.osayande.org) Ramona Africa, MOVE organization and only survivor
of 1985 Move bombing Ziad Abu-Rish, Palestinian activist, Stop US Tax Aid to Israel Now! (SUSTAIN!)
(www.sustaincampaign.org) Bekhyon Yim, visual artist and anti-war activist
working on militarization in Korea(s) Aishah Shahidah Simmons, writer, filmmaker and activist, creator
of the film "NO!" about rape and sexual assault in the Black community (http://www.echosoul.com/aishah.htm) Alicia Rivera, Puerto Rican youth organizer and
educator Moderated by Tonya McClary, Director of the Criminal Justice and Anti-Death Penalty Program of the American Friends
Service Committee(AFSC)
In the spirit of "not preaching to the choir," the town hall forum
is a chance for Philadelphia-based activists, artists, and educators of color to share their ideas and work with the Temple
community, which, as many know, is largely comprised of students who are working-class and/or of color. Non-Temple community
members and activists are encouraged to attend as well so as to have a dynamic dialogue.
The question "Whose Terror?" considers two important issues. First,
after 9-11, it was largely assumed that a homogenous "American" national identity was being equally affected by the events
of 9-11. Second, after 9-11, discussions of terror against Black and indigenous communities became secondary to the "left's"
focus on immigrants, thereby rendering terror and war against Black and indigenous communities of color invisible in many
current activist agendas.
In the spirit of dialogue, we welcome you to come and listen, share
and learn from one another on how 9-11 and subsequent political activity has impacted communities of color in different ways
and to different degrees.
The event is on Thursday, September 11 from 1-3 pm in Kiva Auditorium
at Temple University's main campus.
The event was purposefully scheduled for the daytime so as to have
this discussion with the Temple community, primarily undergraduate students. Also, Kiva Auditorium was specifically chosen
because it is a space that can hold a large number of people and is also somewhat conducive to dialogue.
*If taking the Broad Street subway line, get off at Cecil B. Moore
stop. Take only a local train since express trains do not stop there. Walk from Broad Street towards 13th street. In the section
near the one subway exit, there is a walkway that goes towards Montgomery Avenue and the Student Activities Center.
In the area of that walkway is Ritter Annex Building.
Inside this building is Kiva Auditorium.
Love and Blessings: 
because it is the key to
your future!"
Butch Mystique
Preview 
BUTCH MYSTIQUE is a documentary
by Debra Wilson that exposes the rules, thoughts, passions, and concerns of African American butch-stud, identified lesbians.
Women from varying backgrounds-as mothers, activists, and artists - share raw, powerful and intimate thoughts on being outside
the norm, being powerful butch identified women and being themselves. 
OCESA Presents Promotes Show Scheduled for Carnegie Hall’s