Pictured A dancer from 'Nia' The Dance Theatre. Photos by Israel Wright. Charles E. Nelson II. Renae
Ogletree.Dr. Groove, the Subway Poet. Michael Harrington. Dwayne Woods. Beverly Jenkins. Tania reading Keith Boykin's March on Washington speech.
'All can be great because all can serve.'
— M.L. King Jr.
In their ninth annual free breakfast and program, honoring the birthday and the accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays (CBLG) also marked their tenth year of activism and community involvement.
On Monday, Jan. 19, at the Irish American Heritage Center, CBLG toasted 'the drum major for peace' with a champagne brunch, poetry, dance and the words of King while celebrations were held concurrently across the nation, each remembering King's noteworthy efforts made in the name of justice, equal rights and peace.
Keynote speaker, Beverly Jenkins, addressed the theme, 'In Times Like These We Need a King,' by talking about principles for leadership and suggesting that each of us has the potential to lead, wherever we live, work or play.
'As King prepared for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, he asked each participant to consider their own vision and goals for America and demanded that his followers consider the resources they could bring to the movement,' Jenkins said. 'As supporters or members of CBLG, King's success at Montgomery reminds us that the only way to create community is to involve others. You don't get people involved by telling them what to do—you find ways to allow them to act.'
CBLG Co-founder Renae Ogletree agreed with Jenkins, saying 'You have to give people a voice, even if you disagree with what they have to say.'
Jenkins also referred to one of the original tenets of CBLG—to invite open discussion among all members at the table while promoting equity and fairness.
'In times like these we need a king or queen—the king or queen that exists in all of us,' she said. 'But sometimes we are afraid to get involved because we wonder if we can be a good leader. However, King showed us that one of the marks to being an effective leader is being a good listener. By his example and words, he demonstrated that leaders aren't always the persons who stand at the front but are the ones who are always willing to serve.'
Following Jenkins' remarks, Ogletree reminded the small but attentive audience that even in the absence of other members or supporters of CBLG, either due to prior commitments or death, the work of the organization must continue.
'It's important that the presence of this organization be felt throughout the city of Chicago,' Ogletree stated. 'It may be that we will give the courage to some man or woman to come out and celebrate their true selves.'
Michael Harrington, a candidate for the 49th Ward Committeeman, shared remarks about the history of CBLG. Harrington, who along with Ogletree served for five years as co-chairperson for the organization, was one of many Chicagoans who in 1993 believed the time was right for a group that welcomed both lesbians and gays to a space where their mutual needs and fears could be addressed.
'From the beginning, the key was finding a way for men and women to be able to work together,' he said. 'And like the man [King] whose life we celebrate today, we refused to be a Black group that was anti-white. What mattered then and now, was supporting and enriching ourselves while welcoming people of all colors. Those in the audience today reflect that continued commitment. But our fight is long from over. We still need more kings and queens. So I ask you, what challenges do you think still lie ahead?'
'We had some complaints about this venue—some even refused to attend saying it was too far away, but I am still very pleased with the results of today's program and breakfast,' said Kashaun Collier, steering committee member. 'CBLG is committed to moving the locale of this event each year—we cannot afford to be viewed as only a South Side organization, because the people we represent live in every ward and census tract. Ten or 15 years ago, we would have been met with great resistance if we had tried to hold our event at the Irish American Heritage Center on the City's North Side. But here we are.'
CBLG meets every first Saturday at 10 a.m. at the offices of Taskforce, 1130 S. Wabash, Suite 404. For information call (312) 409-4917 or cblg2k2@aol.com .
