"Our theme today is soaring forward like a phoenix. A phoenix is never defeated. It may stumble. It may fall. It may experience incredible hardship and just when you think it's done it rises up rejuvenated, renewed and transformed," said Brandee Young-Dyson, Burning Bowl 2015 mistress of ceremonies and committee member.
That message permeated Affinity Community Services annual Burning Bowl event at Butler College Prep Jan. 10. About 200 people gathered to celebrate Affinity's accomplishments as well as its plans for the future as the organization enters its 20th year in operation.
Christopher Goins, principal of Butler College Prep, provided words of welcome ahead of the day's festivities.
The event featured performances by the Drum Divas with NEYSA Scott providing vocals, spoken-word artist and activist M'Reld Green and singer Charles Middleton with a rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely?"
Following an introduction by Kim Hunt, Affinity's executive director, Dr. Phoenix Matthews, associate professor and clinical psychologist at the University of Illinois Chicago, spoke about the important role that Affinity has played and will play in the community during her keynote address.
"It's a privilege to be here in the company of such strong and beautiful women ... Whenever I stand, I recognize that never in life am I standing on my own foundation. I'm standing on the foundation of the people who came before me," said Matthews. "As Affinity goes into its 20th year, the image of a phoenix rising embodies what Affinity represents completely."
Ahead of Matthew's keynote address, Ebonie Davis ( Affinity board of directors president ) and Chris Smith ( founding board of directors president of Affinity ) spoke about the history of Affinity, the organization's accomplishments especially in the area of public policy over the past year, plans for the future and the importance of giving so organization's like Affinity can continue to provide services and outreach to the LGBT community in the coming years.
Attendees were asked to pen letters to themselves consisting of affirmations that they plan on working on in the coming year. These letters will be mailed back to the attendees in six months. Not only were attendees asked to write down their affirmations, they were also invited to write down the things they wanted to remove from their lives and burn them in a ceremonial "burning bowl".
Chicago mayoral candidate Jesus "Chuy" Garcia was also in attendance.
A reception featuring catering by Granny's Girls and cheesecake donated by Eli's Cheesecake followed the event.