OUR HISTORY
The Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition (BRC) is a forum that was created in 2007 to encourage and empower the Black LGBT community in the political and electoral arenas. The BRC was born from local LGBT civil rights movements in the Bay Area, including the historic And Castro For All movement that challenges discrimination and promotes diversity within San Francisco’s Castro community.
With the assistance of the Horizons Foundation, a group of dedicated activists came together to discuss their vision for moving forward on the renewed spirit of activism inspired by And Castro for All and as well as to build upon on the legacy of other Black LGBT organizations including the former Lesbian and Gays of African Descent for Democratic Action (LAGADDA) that would identify, encourage, and support the next generation of Black LGBT leadership.
Further inspired by the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin, it was decided that we would honor Bayard Rustin’s values as an architect of the civil rights movement working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and as an openly gay Black man. With the permission of the Bayard Rustin Estate, the Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition began in July 2007.
OUR ORGANIZATION
The Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition is a membership based organization that meets monthly to discuss current issues, local and national politics, and ways in which to engage our community in the electoral process. BRC is a Bay Area wide organization led by elected co-chairs Andrea Shorter (San Francisco) and Robert Williams (Oakland). Additionally, the BRC PAC meets regularly and prior to election dates to discuss and make ballot recommendations to the BRC general membership.
OUR MISSION
BRC will embrace advocacy and education to effect social change through the creation of a political dynasty that is visionary, proactive and rooted in the Black experience
Bayard rustin Lgbt coalition:
shall also…
Identify and support Black LGBTQ people for elective and public office.
Advocate for and propose legislation that advances the civil and economic rights of all oppressed people.
Form coalitions with other groups on issues of joint concern and interest.
Expand the participation of Black LGBTQ people in the electoral process through voter registration and education.
Build a financial base in order to support the political agenda of the Black LGBTQ community.
OUR VISION
BRC declares to end racism and homophobia by creating a world where all people are fully empowered.
For More Information please contact the BRC at info@andmarriage4all.org
eQuality - 1/7
“California Proposition 8 Results -- A Study - A new study of the California Proposition 8 results debunks many of the myths surrounding Prop 8,” - Full Article
San Francisco Chronicle - 1/7
“Black support for Prop. 8 called exaggeration,” - Full Article
Bay Area Reporter -11/27:
“Prop 8 opponents plot next moves,” . Full Article
San Francisco Chronicle - 11/22:
“Blacks, gays discuss fallout
over Prop. 8,” - Full Article
Forum on KQED - 11/12:
“African Americans and gay marriage,”
- Full Article
KALW - 11/11:
“Out in the Bay: After Prop. 8,”
- Full Article
ABC News - 11/7:
“Did blacks tank gay marriage in California?” - Full Article
Bay Area Reporter - 11/6:
“Prop 8 opponents concede,”
- Full Article
The Washington Blade - 11/6:
“Prop 8 opponents concede defeat,”
- Full Article
EDGE - 11/6:
“Marriage battle moves to California Supreme Court,”- Full Article
Democracy Now - 11/5:
“California’s Prop 8 approval likely,”
- Full Article
New America Media -10/23:
“Ours is a love story,” - Full Article
San Francisco Chronicle - 10/22:
“Prop. 8 rivals seek support in black churches,” - Full Article
Bay Area Reporter - 10/23:
”Black faith, community leaders urge churchgoers to oppose Prop 8,”
- Full Article
ABC 7/KGO - 10/19:
“Prop 8 supporters rally in Cupertino,”
- Full Article
Bay Area Reporter - 10/9:
”Prop 8 Briefs: Groups Promote Freedom to Marry” & “And Marriage for All Gets Milk Endorsement,” - Full Article
KPIX 5 - 9/7 Bay Sunday:
Andrea Shorter, Director of And Marriage For All featured on Bay Sunday on KPIX 5 with Sue Kwon discussing the campaign and the importance of the freedom to marry for African Americans. Full Interview.
KRON 4 - 8/28 Eveing News:
AM4A gathering for the freedom to marry and to watch Obama make history as first Black American accept the nomination for President of the United States is top story on KRON 4 in San Francisco. Nearly 350 were in attendance at Jillian's Restaurant in the Metreon, and 60 in attendance at simultaneous gathering at Lounge on 20 in Sacramento.
AM4A in New York Times - 9/21:
AM4A featured in Sunday New York Times. Full Article.
AM4A in Bay Area Reporter:
Bay Area Reporter introduces AM4A outreach to the African American community. Full Article.
AM4A in San Francisco Bay Times:
San Francisco Bay Times announces AM4A outreach to the African American community. Full Article.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
What God has joined together:
Hope for all Families
An ecumenical celebration presented by diverse faith leaders for an evening of Healing, Affirmation & Hope for LGBT Families & Friends in the aftermath of the passage of Prop 8.
Oakland: Historic Sweets Ballroom,
Los Angeles: University of Southern California, Taper Hall
October 28, 2008
Come out this Tuesday, October 28 for Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition Reception Honoring the work of the historic And Marriage For All campaign for marriage equality.
Location: MECCA SF, 2029 Market Street, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Join us as we honor AM4A Campaign volunteers, supporters & community leaders in the fight for the freedom to marry.
Complimentary T-shirts, tasty eats and refreshing drinks. Tell your friends - Bring your friends
For more information, please call Andrea Shorter at (415) 786-7779
October 19, 2008
AM4A Presents The Prophets for Justice Forum & Gospel of Equality Celebration: A Musical Celebration and Dialogue on the Freedom to Marry with African American Clergy.
Panelists and speakers to include:
Host Pastor Reverend Phil Lawson,
Jones Memorial United Methodist
ChurchRev. Dr. Amos Brown,
Third Baptist Church
Bishop Yvette Flunder,
City of Refuge United Church of Christ
Rev. Kenneth Samuels,
People For the American Way
Andrea Shorter, Director,
And Marriage For All
Julius Turman, Alice B. Toklas
LGBT Democratic Club
A Celebration of Gospel Music Featuring:
"The United Voices of Jones" - Jones Memorial United Methodist Church
Kevin Peabody,
Director of Third Baptist Church and Local Bay Area Gospel Music Composer
Worship and Praise with City of Refuge United Church of Christ
Location: Jones Memorial United Methodist Church,
1975 Post Street in San Francisco
Co-sponsored by the California State NAACP and the People for the American Way. Click here to see event details.
October 16, 2008
AM4A is delighted to join forces with Infin8Sync for "Free to Be" event at Candy Bar on Thursday, October 16
Come celebrate the freedom to marry through various artistic expressions, share your own thoughts at our blogging stations, and check out the AM4A web community at www.am4all.ning.com. Candy Bar in San Francisco at 1335 Fulton Street at Divisadero Street between 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Click here to see event details.
October 10, 2008
Statewide Day of Action: Come out - Speak out - Blog out - Sing out
Join AM4A and the Jordan-Rustin Coalition at two joint celebrations in Northern California and Southern California on Friday, October 10
San Francisco: Sheba Piano Lounge, 1419 Fillmore Street 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Los Angeles: The Boulevard, 3199 Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena; TIME TBA
For more information about the events, please contact Andreat Shorter at (415) 786-7779. In Los Angeles please contact Anne-Marie Williams at (213) 618-9468. Click here to see event details.
October 2, 2008
AM4A co-hosts a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, October 2
First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison St, Oakland
Featuring the cast members of Logo's Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom. And Marriage for All will be featured on the discussion panel.
September 26, 2008
AM4A co-sponsors a Free Community Celebration of 60th Anniversary of
Perez v. Sharp representing 60 years of Freedom to Marry for Interracial Couples.
East Side Cultural Center
2277 International Blvd
in Oakland
The Final Friday Films series and several community organizations will co-host a series of short films by and about Bay Area LGBTQ people of color and mixed heritage communities followed by a panel discussion on the history of marriage equality for interracial couples, achieved in California 60 years ago, and the parallels to same-sex couples today. Reception from 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Featuring the Marriage Equality Movement Story Quilt, curated by Maya Scott Chung, MEUSA Parents Outreach Director. This event is free to the public and refreshments will be served.
Free childcare is provided.
September 16, 2008
Jumpin' the Broom Film Screening:
Fillmmaker Debra Wilson shares her 2006 ground breaking film featuring lesbian and gay African American couples discussing the importance of marriage with an audience at the SF LGBT Center.
August 28, 2008
Barack Obama Acceptance Speech.
What A Moment in History to Remember!
