FROM A NEWS RELEASE
September 3, 2009
Affinity Community Services to Host Discussion with Award-Winning Gay Author
Affinity Community Services is honored to host a discussion of the Pulitzer Prize-Nominated novel, Love Won't Let Me Be Silent. The book's author, famed writer and Civil Rights activist Terry Angel Mason will be present to participate in the discussion and answer questions. Books will be available for sale during this thought-provoking event that will be held at Affinity offices at 5650 South Woodlawn on September 24, 2009, from 6:00pm until 7:30pm.
The discussion group is an Affinity Youth Leadership Institute initiative. The Institute is a 12-month program for up to four young women, aged 18-24, who identify as lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Institute Scholars receive training in social justice, community organizing, and nonprofit management, lead Affinity's youth outreach, and participate in other Affinity activities.
Love Won't Let Me Be Silent is a collection of writings, short stories, and poems that has been credited with opening a dialogue about sexuality and same-gender-loving relationships within the Black community, including the Black church. "I chose this book because it reflects human rights issues," said Aisha Truss, Affinity's youth Program Coordinator. "Affinity is an organization focused on community building and this book is an excellent illustration of the importance of respecting, empowering, and loving all of humanity."
Affinity Community Services has been providing services and programs to African-American lesbians, bisexual s, and transgender women as well as LGBTQ youth of African descent for nearly 15 years. The organization serves 1,000 individuals annually. "We are so lucky to be able to have Angel at Affinity's book discussion," said Kim Hunt, Affinity's Executive Director. "His book has been out less than two months and has already become and international phenomenon! Because Angel Mason is fast becoming one of the most sought-after authors in the world, this will most likely be the last opportunity our book group will have to meet with him in such an intimate setting."
The public is invited to attend this event.
Contact:
Aisha Truss
Youth Program Coordinator
Affinity Community Services
5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., Garden Level
Chicago, IL 60637
773-324-0377
www.affinity95.org