The 12th Annual Jon Henri Damski Award Presented to Vernita Gray Wednesday, March 31st, 6-8p — Jon-Henri would have been 73 Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. Refreshments compliments of Polo Café and Catering, Bridgeport
Vernita Gray didn't wait until there was a GLBT movement — she became a part of creating it.
This is exactly the kind of trailblazing that original ranconteur Jon-Henri Damski embodied and admired, and why Vernita is this year's recipient of the Jon Henri Award. "Vernita, just like Jon-Henri has never been afraid to stand her ground, and name names...... She has a "take no prisoners" approach which has gained the respect of her peers and LGBQT community" says Lori Cannon, founder of the Jon-Henri award.
A Chicago native, Vernita came of age as a lesbian and activist during the turbulence of the 60s. It was a time of civil rights and the divisions within. The African American community was openly hostile toward gays and lesbians. In the eyes of the world at large, Vernita had three strikes against her — she was a woman, she was black and she was lesbian. Not only was she undeterred, to the contrary, these facts fueled what would become her lifelong fight for gay rights for all ages, often at risk to her own safety. Vernita dug deep into her worlds of education, literature, politics and non-profit, implementing a multi-faceted platform that tackled gay rights, violence against gays and lesbians and supported gay youth. Vernita also knew the importance of community, and was on the ground level of establishing the first gay and lesbian community center, as well as a lesbian newspaper and restaurant.
Vernita's perspective was shaped by some key influences, starting with none other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who moved into her Lawndale community. Unpopular at the time, King's message of equality and tolerance resonated, and he quickly became her hero and blueprint. She admired politicians Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress ( New York's 12th District ) , and Barbara Jordan, the first black senator ( since 1883 ) in Texas, first to serve as president pro tem. But it was attending Woodstock in 1969 that lit the fire, and upon returning to Chicago Vernita came out as a lesbian and activist, and immediately set about rewriting the course of gay history. First, she reached out to her alma mater Columbia College, organizing lesbian support groups there and at other colleges; and for the first time of many, hosted support groups in her home.
Next, Vernita's home became the center for organizing a hotline that provided support to victims of violence, or those who sought essential social support and community. With her well known sense of humor, the hotline number was FBI-LIST. Additionally, she transformed her house into a safe haven for youth kicked out of their own homes due to their sexual orientation.
From here, the list of Vernita's accomplishments is long and storied.
Or, as long-time friend and fellow human rights advocate Arthur Johnston likes to say, "Vernita was a junk yard dog. She didn't believe in obstacles, and she defined never taking 'no' or 'can't for answer." He continued, "Vernita embodied the term human rights advocate. She was tenacious and ferocious in her battle. We owe a debt beyond gratitude for the risks she was willing take to effect long-term change."
In the 70s she was instrumental in forming the first Lesbian Caucus of the nascent Gay Liberation organization. Putting her literary degree to use, she formed a collective of lesbians, which included feminist and civil rights advocate Margaret Sloan, to establish Lavender Woman, the first openly lesbian newspaper. Sloan went on to become a founding member of Ms. Magazine.
In 1973, she became involved with Gay Horizons, a community center for GLBT people. Vernita knew having an independent community center was pivotal. Additionally, Gay Horizons offered violence prevention and counselors for gay and lesbian victims of hate crimes. Vernita worked closely with many of the counselors to assist in obtaining protective orders. She was later awarded in 1999 with Horizon's Human First Award, which acknowledged these particular types of accomplishments — those who created something to help others, despite risk to themselves or their loved ones. She remains devoted to Horizons, now Center on Halsted, serving on the board. The only time Vernita took a break was during a battle with breast cancer, but once recovered, she immediately resumed her work with their anti-violence project where she has served 15 years.
Vernita also was a business owner, operating the popular Sol Sands restaurant for 11 years, and a company developing audio visual materials for children. Additional organization affiliations include IMPACT and Mountain Moving Coffee House.
These driving themes of gay rights and community still define Vernita today. Now in her 50s, she is committed to addressing the concerns of aging populations and for the rights of same sex partners, serving on the board of Equality Illinois. She is also involved in addressing problems faced by GLBT seniors. She serves on the Task Force on Aging, the GLBT advisory committee to the AARP. She also works for equal treatment of GLBT seniors as a board member of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. In March 2007 she participated in the Aging Symposium held by NGLTF in Washington, DC to discuss aging issues on a national level.
It is no surprise she was sought out by filmmaker Dan Andries for his acclaimed documentary Out & Proud In Chicago ( on WTTW ) , hosted by actor Jane Lynch. Vernita was also recently honored by The Food Network's "Hearty Boys" and Youth Pride Center 4th Annual Living Legends Gala, where she was paid tribute along with Renee Ogletree, and honorees Rev. Doris Green, Alderwoman Toni Preckwinkle, Ariq Cabbler and Jose Rios. Vernita was also inducted into Chicago's Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame.
On a larger scale, she would like to help get more GLBT candidates elected to office. " [ House Representative ] Barney Frank is a pioneer. He has done a fabulous job but he doesn't need to be solo," she said. "We need more people representing our families and our communities."
Contact: Lori Cannon, 773.271.5516
For Immediate Release
March 15, 2010
