Power to the People
Photo credit: Andres Duque
A press conference organized by an ad hoc coalition of Black and Latin gay bloggers, Caribbean activists, HIV/AIDS service providers and anti-violence workers went on as scheduled Thursday morning in New York. Called to protest the inclusion of homophobic Jamaican dancehall artists Beenie Man and TOK on the list of performers at a proposed HIV/AIDS benefit concert sponsored by the music industry charitable group, LIFEbeat. Wednesday afternoon, LIFEbeat issued a statement canceling the concert, scheduled for next Tuesday, but in their statement, they still failed to recognize and admit their own shortcomings in the planning and execution of this event, nor did they fully comprehend the reasons for the public outrage.
Yours truly attended the media event as a representative of the blogger coalition (I’m in the lime green shirt in the photo), however other bloggers have already provided comprehensive coverage of what took place. These accounts also include the latest statement issued by LIFEbeat, which we all feel now opens the door for a more constructive dialogue to take place. It was always our intention to help LIFEbeat understand the importance of doing their work with greater sensitivity to the needs of those most affected by HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean and elsewhere.
Recapping the day's and week's events:
Keith Boykin “Black Gays Hold Press Conference; LIFEbeat Issues New Statement” link
Andres Duque “Photos: Press conference outside LIFEbeat's offices this morning” link
More of Andres’ photos (Do not use without permission) link
Andre Lancaster “Black Bloggers and Activists Speak Out at Press Conference” link
John Keene “Press Conference @ LIFEbeat Offices” link
Frank Leon Roberts “A Critical Timeline” link
Posted by bernie at July 13, 2006 7:42 PMHere's a really thoughtful post from someone who sees both sides of the issue: http://thepseudoartisticpunk.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Geoff at July 14, 2006 11:12 AMI've read it, it's not that thoughtful and he doesn't see both sides that clearly.
Posted by: Bernie at July 14, 2006 12:23 PMHi
I just want to thank you for your activism in getting LIFEbeat to cancel that Reggae concert. As a gay Jamaican man we feel powerless because of the homophobic society we live in. While I barely knew Brian Williamson and Steve Harvey I feel that these artistes, because of their hate lyrics, did contribute to their untimely murders.
To you, and Keith Boykin, keep up the good work.
Posted by: Billy Dunn at July 16, 2006 11:09 PM