The third annual Families of Chicago ( FOC ) Save Our Scene banquet, Third Time's a Charm, took place Jan. 5 at the University of Chicago's Ida Noyes Hall.
Ahead of the event, FOC Committee Member and University of Chicago School of Social Work Ph.D. candidate Lance Keene said, "it is really important to provide a space like this event so our FOC youth can experience fellowship and support among each other and to reaffirm the central values of the scenelove, care and kinship. This event is also a way to celebrate each other. It is really important to me as a University of Chicago graduate student that the institution has partnered with us and provided space to hold this annual event."
FOC Committee Member and University of Chicago Hospital's Department of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Assistant Director Joel D. Jackson opened the festivities with a brief history of the past two banquets. He also emphasized how important it is for FOC members to gather together at least once a year to celebrate who they are and their individual talents.
During the legends, statements and stars showcase various members of the family scene were invited by emcee Denim Carter to show their dancing and runway moves to the crowd with music provided by DJ Darryl GarcÃ"n.
Following the showcase, Jackson called for a moment of silence.
Savannah Carter performed her signature brand of comedy while Denim Carter introduced performing groups The Big 3 ( Honey, JT and Jamiyah ) and The Chasities ( Karma and Amya ) to close out the evening's festivities.
The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination at the University of Chicago was the event's sponsor.