Reinforcing its advocacy of education, Youth Pride Center ( YPC ) held a back-to-school party Aug. 26 at Pie Hole, 737 W. Roscoe. Among the features were a talent show, dinner and distribution of school supplies. ( Pictured: Arnell Edwards. Photo by Andrew Davis. )
The event also marked the official launch of Code Red, a contingent within YPC. Code Red President Anshae Lorenzen told Windy City Times that the members selected the emergency-related name because "we want to show that Black gay youth do more than hang around. We have goals, go to school and do other [ positive ] things."
According to YPC Executive Director Frank Walker, the organization's membership numbers about 170 people. Arnell Edwards talked about why he has been a member for well over a year: "I have had [ ups and downs ] , but I have learned so much and I have grown. I don't know what it is I love about this group: if I love being around Frankie or if I love being around these other [ members ] ."
For more information, e-mail YouthPrideCenter@gmail.com .