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NBJC Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the Senate
This week, Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I) made history with the introduction of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act in the Senate. The legislation would repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that bans military service of openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans, and prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in the armed forces. The Chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee, Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), was one of 13 cosponsors of the bill.
“NBJC applauds the introduction of the Senate’s Military Readiness Enhancement Act by Sens. Lieberman and Levin. We’ve waited nearly two decades to replace this harmful policy with one that recognizes the value of all those wanting to serve in our nation's military, and we are confident that this is our moment,” said Sharon J. Lettman, Executive Director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition.
The full story is here.
NBJC Celebrates Enactment of DC Marriage Equality Law
The National Black Justice Coalition celebrates today’s enactment of historic Marriage Equality legislation in our nation’s capital. After months of speculation that some members of Congress would attempt to block the D.C. marriage equality law, Congress chose to remain on the sidelines and not obstruct advancement of this legislation. In addition, the Supreme Court yesterday refused the requests of outspoken equality opponents seeking to block the law.
“We salute the nation's capital today for setting the tone of national reconciliation for our LGBT brothers and sisters seeking marriage equality,” said Sharon J. Lettman, Executive Director and CEO of the Nation Black Justice Coalition (NBJC). “It is monumental that in the capital city, with a Congress divided on so many pressing issues, equal access to the altar has been granted to LGBT residents.”
The full story is here.
White House Welcomes NBJC, HRC, and LGBT HBCU Students For Signing of Executive Order
Today, National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) Executive Director Sharon J. Lettman and Board Vice Chair Donna Payne will join presidents of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) across the country, key civil rights leaders and select HBCU students as President Barack Obama signs the executive order, “Promoting Excellence, Innovation, and Sustainability at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)” at the White House.
The David Bohnett Foundation supported this extraordinary outreach opportunity by aiding NBJC and the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) HBCU Project to sponsor two LGBT students from HBCUs invited to Washington for this event. The students are Bennett College senior Journalism and Media Studies major Lauren Waters and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) junior Psychology major Michael Evans.
The full story is here.
Meet the NBJC Board of Directors
There are as many different types of leadership styles as there are leaders, and NBJC has been blessed with a diverse, dedicated group that is united in their passion for LGBT rights, and particularly for African Americans. While some leaders seem born to the limelight, there are often just as many working in the background, no less important and frequently serving as the glue that keeps an organization running. In the case of NBJC, you would recognize many of those individuals as members of the Board of Directors.
As NBJC continues profiling civil rights and LGBT leaders past and present for Black History Month, we want to introduce our readership to each of our Board members, all working diligently to build our shared history. "NBJC’s Board of Directors is a talented, socially inclusive group of individuals united in a passion for Black LGBT rights and a firm commitment to lead with excellence as the standard. As we build on six years of momentum, we want to shine the light on our leadership that works behind the scenes setting policy and giving guidance, direction and support," stated Sharon J. Lettman, NBJC’s Executive Director. "Each brings a different perspective, and all contribute a unique strength to our Coalition that gives us confidence for a bright future."
The full story is here.
“Snatch(ing) our humanity out of the fire of human cruelty”
A History of the Black LGBT Movement
by Sylvia Rhue, Ph.D.
It began organically—in the wee hours of a June morning in 1969, in the Greenwich Village section of New York City—with several brave men and women who’d grown tired of the government-sponsored persecution of them because of who they were.
It was a revolution. At the Stonewall Inn, our brothers and sisters fought for their lives and their dignity while igniting a movement for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights. Today we are humbled by our roots, and honored to be part of this movement that has evolved over the past 40 years.
The full story is here.
Religious Leaders Announce Alternate
to National Prayer Breakfast
Urge America’s Leaders to Speak Out Against
Events Connection to Abhorrent
Ugandan “Anti-Homosexuality Bill”
 Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2010) – Key religious leaders held a press conference earlier today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to announce the formation of The American Prayer Hour, a multi-city event to be held in two days on February 4, 2010, with key events in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Chicago and Berkeley and to call on organizers of the National Prayer Breakfast, Members of Congress attending and the President to use the opportunity to send a clear, unified message against the horrendous Ugandan “Anti-Homosexuality Bill.”
The full press release is here.
by Lenox Magee
It seems America is moving a lot closer to accepting the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer) community. Back in November, Helena Bushong, a Transgender Activist from Illinois Gender Advocates, became the first African American transgendered woman in the White House and the second Transexual ever. The Chicago-based transgender advocate, joined HIV experts in December as the first transgender representative to attend a White House National Strategy Meeting.
Full story is here.
The Legacy of MLK
 by Rev. Irene Monroe
Introduction by Dr. Sylvia Rhue
Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been 81 years old today. He was a man for all ages with a message for all people.
NBJC honors and acknowledges the enormous contributions of this one man who gave so much to the world. We present the words of Rev. Irene Monroe on Martin Luther King, Jr.
For King, justice was more than a racial issue, more than a legal or moral issue. Justice was a human issue. And this was evident in King's passionate concern about a wide range of concerns: "The revolution for human rights is opening up unhealthy areas in American life and permitting a new and wholesome healing to take place," King once told a racially mixed audience. "Eventually the civil rights movement will have contributed infinitely more to the nation than the eradication of racial injustice."
Full essay is here.
The Passing of a Legend
A memory by Sylvia Rhue
If you were lucky enough to be alive and in love in the 70's you had the soulful songs of Teddy Pendergrass in your head and heart as sweet background music to your life. I remember being in love with a woman who sang along to "Turn Off the Lights" and 40 years later it still blows my mind. Such was the power of the silken baritone of Teddy Pendergrass.
The full feature is here.
NBJC Applauds DC Council's Passage
of Marriage Equality Legislation
December 15, 2009—The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) applauds the 11-to-2 passage of marriage equality legislation by the Washington D.C. City Council late this afternoon. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has said he will sign the legislation into law.
“The families of our LGBT sisters and brothers deserve the same rights and protections as any others, and this legislation absolutely strengthens families,” said NBJC Executive Director Sharon J. Lettman. “We celebrate this victory along with all those who have worked to ensure that civil rights in our nation's capital apply to everyone.”
Full media advisory is here.
NBJC and Gay Men of African Descent
Join GLAAD in Petition
Against Banton’s Support
for Murdering Gay People
New York, NY, December 11, 2009 - Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) and the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) announced today that they stand with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) in its petition drive and advocacy work protesting the recent Grammy nomination of reggae singer Buju Banton’s album “Rasta Got Soul.” Banton has a long history of advocating the killing of gay people.
Full media advisory is here.
Black and Gay is Beautiful:
Pastor Tolton's Response To Donnie McClurkin
Click on the above image to read the full text of the full-page ad that ran in the December 4th Metro News.
Thank you Pastor Joseph Tolton for scribing an official response on behalf of the LGBT Community and the Black Church at large as well as daring to show another face of black gay America; confident, professional, and spiritually supportive of one another.
NBJC Congratulates Nation’s First
Black Lesbian State Representative
Simone Bell Joins Alex Wan as Newly Elected
LGBT Lawmakers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/3/2009
NBJC congratulates Simone Bell on her historic victory as she becomes the first Black lesbian state representative in the country. Ms. Bell won a runoff in yesterday’s Georgia election to represent District 58 covering the Atlanta area and will be the second openly LGBT member of the Georgia State House of Representatives, following Representative Karla Drenner. Atlanta voters also elected Alex Wan as the City Council’s first gay man, and first Asian American, on Tuesday. Wan will represent City Council District 6.
“We all celebrate this victory with Representative-elect Bell,” said NBJC Executive Director Sharon J. Lettman. “We recognize all the hard work that goes into running for public office and commend Bell for being a shining example of leadership for everyone in the LGBT community.”
The full press statement is here.
Georgia elects nation’s first black lesbian state legislator
 Great news from Georgia. Voters there have elected the first openly lesbian African-American state legislator in the United States, and Atlanta voters elected the first gay man and first Asian-American to the city council.
Simone Bell, a Victory Fund-endorsed candidate, won a runoff election to represent Georgia State House District 58. She becomes the second openly LGBT member of the Georgia State House, joining Rep. Karla Drenner. Both are from the Atlanta area.
Full article is here.
December 1st is World AIDS Day.
 NBJC notes President Obama's statement observing World AIDS Day:
Our Nation joins the world in celebrating the extraordinary advancements we have made in the battle against HIV and AIDS, and remembering those we have lost. Over the past three decades, brave men and women have fought devastating discrimination, stigma, doubt, and violence as they stood in the face of this deadly disease. Many of them would not be here today, but for the dedication of other persons living with HIV, their loved ones and families, community advocates, and members of the medical profession. On World AIDS Day, we rededicate ourselves to developing a national AIDS strategy that will establish the priorities necessary to combat this devastating epidemic at home, and to renewing our leadership role and commitments abroad.
The full Presidential Proclamation is here.
Visit http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/
Interview with new NBJC Board Member Michelle Brown
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Michelle E. Brown is an author and activist born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is on the board of Michigan Equality and the National Black Justice Coalition, is the co-chair of the Michigan Women in AIDS Committee and is a published author and poet. Her work is strongly influenced by the socio-economic, political and human rights history of the city. Drawing upon the city’s rich history and her own personal travels locally and nationally for inspiration, she has written essays for several mainstream and alternative newspapers, is a monthly columnist in “Between the Lines” Michigan’s only LGBT Newspaper, and has published poetry, short stories and authored two books. When not writing she works as a consultant to small businesses and non-profit organization providing organizational development assistance.
The full interview is here.
Bishop Flunder on Donnie McClurkin
Beloved,
I watched a clip of Pastor Donnie McClurkin at the COGIC Convocation where he used the words perversion and vampirism in reference to feminine young men and ‘evil’ butch young ladies. He suggested that the church had failed them and not been active enough in helping these young people find deliverance. He ranted against gospel artist and pastor Tonex’ with regard to Tonex’ recent affirmation of his own same gender orientation.
The full text of Bishop Flunder's commentary is here.
Entertainer Karen Williams and Author Michelle Brown Join NBJC Board
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is pleased to announce the addition of author and performer Karen Williams and author / activist Michelle Brown to its Board of Directors.
 An internationally acclaimed and nationally-known comedienne and humorist, Ms. Williams background includes over twenty years of theatrical training, improvisational comedy, dance and movement, psychodrama, active parenting, metaphysical studies, and Buddhist practice. She is also the creator and facilitator of the Humor-at-Large Workshop Series, founder of the National Women's Comedy Conference, past president of the Association of Women's Music and Culture, and former Board Member of AIDS, Medicine and Miracles. Williams graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a personally designed major in "Humor and Healing," and earned a Master of Education degree from CSU's Adult Learning & Development program.
 Michelle E. Brown is an author and activist born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Her work is strongly influenced by the socio-economic, political and human rights history of the city. Drawing upon the city’s rich history and her own personal travels locally and nationally for inspiration, she has written essays for several mainstream and alternative newspapers, is a monthly columnist in “Between the Lines” Michigan’s only LGBT Newspaper, and has published poetry, short stories and authored two books. When not writing she works as a consultant to small businesses and non-profit organization providing organizational development assistance.
The full press release is here.
Landmark Federal Hate Crimes Bill
Signed Into Law
Obama signs bill into law Wednesday October 28th
 The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) hails today’s signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into federal law. The act makes it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. NBJC Executive Director Sharon J. Lettman has been invited to attend the Presidential reception at the White House later this evening commemorating this historic event.
“By signing this act into law, this administration sends a clear message that the civil rights of every American are worth protecting and defending,” said Sharon J. Lettman, NBJC Executive Director. “No one should have to live their life in fear of violence simply for living their life openly.”
Full article and more on African American LGBT hate crimes is here.
NBJC Applauds Obama Administration
Inclusion of LGBT in HUD Programs
Steps include first-ever national study of discrimination
against members of the LGBT community
in the renting and sale of housing
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) applauds today’s announcement of proposals designed to ensure that U.S. Housing And Urban Development (HUD) housing programs are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
These initiatives are among the strongest steps yet taken by the Obama Administration to ensure full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals in all aspects of society. Included is a proposed rule to explicitly include LGBT individuals in eligibility requirements, as well as specifying that sexual orientation or gender identity not be considered as factors in qualifying for any FHA-insured mortgage.
“This is a very positive development, and we are confident that it is one step among many that the LGBT community can look forward to from this President,” said Sharon J. Lettman, NBJC Executive Director. “It is vital that we recognize all the compositions of African American families, from single mom-led households to grandparents raising their grandchildren; families of color also include LGBT households and family members.”
Full news release is here.
 The National Black Justice Coalition Board of Directors recently announced that they have chosen Sharon J. Lettman as the organization's new Executive Director. Headquartered in Washington, DC, The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and ending racism and homophobia.
Many civil rights and social justice leaders have hailed Lettman's appointment as Executive Director (see sidebar), as well as commentary from prominent blogs including Pam's House Blend, Rod 2.0 and publications including Metro Weekly.
Click here for comments from several leaders and more on Lettman.
NBJC announces new executive director, Sharon Lettman
WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 5, 2009—The National Black Justice Coalition Board of Directors today announced that they have chosen Sharon J. Lettman as the organization's new Executive Director. Headquartered in Washington, DC, The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and ending racism and homophobia.
"We must bring our families together," Lettman said. "Gay and transgender people are our children, our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, parents, co-workers and friends. They are a vital part of the black community, and it is time for everyone to recognize the real issues we all face when our brothers and sisters are denied full participation in the life of our community.
"What has always drawn me to this work, and to the people I've been proud to stand alongside, is the knowledge that we must work together to create the better future we seek," Lettman continued. "In my new role at NBJC, that means lifting the voices of our community, building bridges so that all who experience discrimination can understand the common ground we share, and walking across those bridges together in greater and greater numbers toward equal rights for all."
Lettman’s efforts to advance the conversation of race, religion, and sexual orientation have shown remarkable progress through the African American Religious Affairs Program she led at People For the American Way Foundation that addressed Homophobia in the Black Church. In addition, The Gill Foundation highlighted Lettman in its 2008 annual report as a “key ally” for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equality movement. She is also on the board of directors for National Stonewall Democrats.
The full press release is here.
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