<I>BLK Vol. 4 No. 1</I>
date: label: Date
content: January 1992
name: label: Published by
content: Alan Bell, American
label: Edited by
content: Alan Bell, American
label: Interview of
content: Steven Corbin, American, 1953 - 1995
label: Subject of
content: Michelle Tellison, American, born 1965
label: Subject of
content: Jecquin Stitt, American, born 1958
label: Subject of
content: Joe Pressley, American, born 1964
label: Subject of
content: Gay Men of African Descent, American, founded 1986
label: Subject of
content: Gay and Lesbian Organization of Witwatersrand, South African, 1988 - 1997
label: Subject of
content: African National Congress, South African, founded 1912
label: Subject of
content: Audre Lorde, American, 1934 - 1992
label: Subject of
content: National Task Force on AIDS Prevention, American, 1985 - 1998
label: Subject of
content: National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980
label: Subject of
content: Reggie Williams, American, 1951 - 1999
label: Subject of
content: Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985
label: Subject of
content: Phill Wilson, American, born 1956
label: Subject of
content: Sabrina Sojourner, American, born 1952
label: Subject of
content: Rev. James Cleveland, American, 1931 - 1991
label: Subject of
content: Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, American, founded 1973
label: Subject of
content: University of San Francisco, American, founded 1855
label: Subject of
content: Village Gate, American, 1958 - 1994
label: Subject of
content: Black Men's Xchange, American, founded 1989
label: Subject of
content: Magic Johnson, American, born 1959
label: Subject of
content: David N. Dinkins, American, born 1927
label: Subject of
content: Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, American, 1988 - 2003
label: Subject of
content: Dr. Marjorie Hill, American
label: Subject of
content: Cleo Manago, American, born 1963
label: Subject of
content: James Baldwin, American, 1924 - 1987
label: Subject of
content: Oprah Winfrey, American, born 1954
notes: label: Description
content: This is the 35th issue of BLK magazine published January 1992. The front cover is printed in color and features an image of Steven Corbin. Corbin is seated on the floor, with his right leg raised and left leg tucked under. He is resting back on his left arm with his right arm hanging over his right knee. Corbin is dressed in a white tank top, blue jeans, white socks, black shoes, and with cross necklace and a single earring. At the top and centered to the left, [BLK] is printed in bold, white, uppercase letters within a red rectangular box. Below and to the left of the [BLK] text box is the magazine issue information; in small, black text it reads [Vol. 4, No. 1 Whole No. 35 / $1.95 U.S., $2.95 Canada]. To the right of the magazine name text box is the news sections listed in white text, [NEWS / CARTOONS / MUSIC / WORD UP / READ MY LIPS / CLASSIFIEDS]. Towards the center bottom and to the right is the magazine headline in yellow text reading [THE BLK INTERVIEW / Steven Corbin]. Below, in red text it reads [Michelle Tellison Sues / Oprah Winfrey Gets ‘Duped’ / Joe Pressley Takes Over]. There are 60 numbered pages, stapled the center fold, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations throughout.
label: Description
content: The inside of the cover features an ad [KEITH MEDICAL GROUP]. The content opens with the section [WORD UP] by Leon Miller with three short articles: [WHAT’S WRONG WITH SEX IN THE BACK SEAT], [LAW ENFORCEMENT FLORIDA-STYLE], and [IBM AND APPLE GO BLACK]. This is followed by eight letters to the editor in the section [BLK MAIL] on pages 2-4, with the [BLK] masthead on page 4. On the following page is the section [BLK PEOPLE] about broad and general news regarding the Black gay and lesbian community. It is divided by city.
label: Description
content: A feature story begins on page 9, titled [Black Lesbian Seeks $10 million in / Damages from City Transit System] by Mark Haile. The article addresses a law suit filed by Michelle Tellison who suffered discrimination for having a disability and being a lesbian. Judge Jack O’Neill ruled in her favor in June 1988. A photo of Tellison accompanies the article.
label: Description
content: The cover story, which begins on page 11, is titled [THE BLK INTERVIEW / STEVEN CORBIN]. Conducted and written by Larry Duplechan, the article opens with a biography of Corbin before diving into the interview portion. Corbin opens about his upcoming books, racism in the gay community, his career as novelist, being HIV+, his thoughts on relationships, and identifying as queer. The article is accompanied by a photograph of Steven Corbin.
label: Description
content: A second feature article begins on page 26, titled [Oprah Look-alike / Start 2nd Career] by Mark Haile. The article covers the experience of Jecquin Stitt after she won a Oprah look-alike contest and the flurry of interviews that occurred when it became public knowledge that she was a transgender woman. The article is accompanied with two photographs showcasing the contest.
label: Description
content: A third feature article begins on page 28, titled [JOE / PRESSLEY] by Eric K. Washington. The article covers the goals Joe Pressley has for the organization Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) as the new executive director, sighting it as a pivotal support system when he came out. The article is accompanied with one photograph of Pressley.
label: Description
content: On page 30 begins section [MUSIC / by D.J. Marius] with three album reviews: [Phyllis Hyman “Prime of My Life” / (Philadelphia International)], [Ultra Nate “Blue Lights in the Basement” / (Eternal/Warner Bros)], and [Tough Young Tenors “Along Together” / (Antilles/Island)].
label: Description
content: Several shorter articles appear under the section [BLK NEWS] complied by Eric K. Washington, News Editor. Beginning on page 33, these articles include: [GLOW Adds New Chapters / – John Hubert] with new chapters in Kwa-Thema, Tembisa, Soweto, and Johannesburg Central, [2,000 March in South Africa / – Rex Wockner and Gerry Davidson] in the country's (and continent’s) second pride parade, [Lorde Named New York Poet / – Eric K. Washington], [Black AIDS Educators Meet / – Mark Haile] about the Gay Men of Color AIDS Institute, [Group Names ’92 Officers / – Mark F. Johnson] regarding the D.C. Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gay Men announcing their leadership board, [Man Calls Cleveland ‘Dad’ / – Mark Haile] about Andre M. Cleaveland/McIssac and the late Rev. James Cleveland, [Judge Quizzes Jurors / – Eric K. Washington], [Study Says Condoms Shunned], [Politician Slams Gays, Blacks / – Rex Wockner] about Donald Chapman, [Woman Starts New Business / – Mark Haile] Leslie Despenza-Hale as the business owner of Androgyny, Inc., [AIDS Groups Get Sire Money] about the National Minority AIDS Council and Pediatric AIDS Foundation, [Jazzers Hold AIDS Benefit / – Eric K. Washington] held at the Village Gate, [Blacks Target of Gay Bashers / Antonio Sharp], [Lowe Takes N.Y. States Post] regarding Sandra J. Lowe leaving her post as a staff attorney at Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund to become the director of the Governor’s Office of Gay and Lesbian Concerns for New York State, [Johnson Signs for 3 Books] about Earvin “Magic” Johnson, [AFA Boycott Targets Listed / – Mark Haile] regarding the American Family Association, described as a right-wing, anti-gay organization, has boycotted several institutions, [L.A. Clippers Enter AIDS Fight] becoming the first NBA team to take action against HIV by supporting Shanti Foundation, [D.C. Black Pride Set for May / – Mark E. Johnson] about D.C.’s second Black Lesbian and Gay Pride Day, [Black Groups at Marathon / – Eric K. Washington] about the second annual AIDS Dance-a-thon, [New Orgs Spring in Rochester / – Eric K. Washington] Rochester Lesbians of Color Organization and Brothers United, [AIDS Money to Black Center] about Aid for AIDS in Nevada, [Conference Changes Site] regarding the fifth National Black Gay and Lesbian Conference and Institutes, [Skinheads Indicted in Attack], [Martina Sees Double Standard] about Martina Navratilova tennis player, [Dinkins Relents on needles / – LaRose Parris] about Mayor David Dinkins and endorsing needle exchanging programs, [BMX Holds Cultural Gathering] about Black Men’s Xchange and the African American AIDS Support Services and Survival Institute, and [Johnson to Begin Taking AZT].
label: Description
content: This is followed by [BLK VEIL] on page 43 and lists twenty-three obituaries: Gweb Alexander, Jesse ‘Jay’ Black Jr., Richard A. Boydston, Tim Dollson, Michael Christopher Dunham, Gordon Tyrone Dunn, Cleveland Gates Jr., Tony Hughes, Ernest A. Johnson, Dwight E. Jordan, John W. Kemp, Henry Lovett, Martial-Rio, Kenneth A. Martin, Ernest Miller, Jeffrey Patrick, Freeman Pollard, Kelsey Pulliam, Raymond Pugh, Rafael Roman, Shane, Edward Smith, and Curtis Straughter.
label: Description
content: A section titled [BLK BRIEFS] can be found on page 34 providing quick articles in one or two sentences. The gossip column titled [Read My Lips] written by Preston G. Guider is on page 45. The issue concludes with the section [BLK MARKET] on page 49 and the classifieds section [TALKING PERONALS] starting on page 50, with personal ads divided by gender, nation, then U.S. regions.
label: Description
content: The back cover is a full-page advertisement [Prevention Is Better Than Cure].
label: Description
content: The object came with an insert: a paid-postage, two-page flyer titled “NOW THE BEST MUSIC OFFER IN ON SALE!”. The flyer lists several CD across several genres.
label: Description
content: There are several advertisements throughout, including: [BLK / KUUMBA / BLACK LACE / BLACKfire]; [I JUST WANT A / GOOD TIME] by the Gay Men’s Health Crisis; [THE BLACK GAY MEN’S RAP / Together We Can Work It Out!]; [Be A Buddy To Someone With AIDS] a support program by the AIDS Project Los Angeles; [Jewel’s Catch One / 20th ANNIVERSARY]; Say it Loud… / I’m BLACK & I’m PROUD / Celebrating African-American Women / Women’s Calendar of Event for FEBRUARY] hosted by The Center’s Education Department, Community Outreach & Education Project; [PERSONAL / ASTROLOGY]; [Drop attackers safely / with new ‘Liquid Bullet;’]; [GAYELLOW PAGES]; [THING]; [THE / HOLLYWOOD / SPA / COMPOUND / A MAN’S PRIVATE PRESERVE]; [BROTHER TO BROTHER / edited by Essex Hemphill / conceived by Joseph Beam] ordering slip; [KNOW yourself / Knowledge=Power] by the AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Black Gay & Lesbian Leadership Forum; [REACTIONS]; [I’m Positive. / I’m safe.] by the Northwest AIDS Foundation; [COMMUNITY / PRESCRIPTION / SERVICE / A Mail-Order Pharmacy & AIDS Information Service]; [Subscribe to the leading interracial gay magazine / QUARTERLY INTERCHANGE]; [TALKING PERSONALS / Connections USA]; [HIV POSITIVE AND HEALTHY? JOIN THE QUEST…] by HemaCare Corporation; [Unity / Fellowship / Church / A Church for All People]; [FREEDOM / make it happen / THE PROVOKER]; [the / BFP TEE]; [THE WORLD’S / LARGEST AND FINEST / EROTIC / DEPARTMENT STORE / The Pleasure Chest Ltd.]; [RAKEVIN INCOME TAX SERVICE]; [YOU ARE INVITED! / WHAT’S THE OCCASION? / BLACK MALE TO MALE (“GAY”) RELATIONSHIPS] by Black Men’s Xchange; [ACT-UP/LA needs / your input • your leadership • your anger!]; [THE CENTER / LEGAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT]; [Gay & Lesbian Literature / A DIFFERENT LIGHT]; [1-800-877-BOYS]; [The Law Offices / of OLLIE P. MANAGO]; [1-900-990-HEAT]; [Black and White / Men Together]; [976-WOLF]; [Looking for Latinos? / HOMBRES has ‘em]; [Men of Color / Phone Personals]; and [CLUB BODY / CENTERS].
place: label: Place made
content: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Flint, Genesee County, Michigan, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa
label: Place depicted
content: Albany, Albany County, New York, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: San Francisco, San Francisco county, California, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Cook County, Illinois, United States
label: Place depicted
content: Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Tupelo, Lee County, Mississippi, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Rochester, Monroe County, New York, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America
topic: label: Topic
content: African American
label: Topic
content: Activism
label: Topic
content: Associations and institutions
label: Topic
content: Black Press
label: Topic
content: Communities
label: Topic
content: Education
label: Topic
content: Gender
label: Topic
content: Hate crimes
label: Topic
content: Health
label: Topic
content: Identity
label: Topic
content: International affairs
label: Topic
content: LGBTQ
label: Topic
content: Mass media
label: Topic
content: Poetry
label: Topic
content: Police brutality
label: Topic
content: Sexuality
label: Topic
content: Social life and customs
label: Topic
content: Transportation
label: Topic
content: U.S. History, 1969-2001
label: Topic
content: Violence
setName: label: See more items in
content: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
label: Classification
content: Books and Published Materials
label: Movement
content: HIV/AIDS Activist Movement
creditLine: label: Credit Line
content: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell
dataSource: label: Data Source
content: National Museum of African American History and Culture
identifier: label: Object number
content: 2018.108.35ab
objectType: label: Type
content: magazines (periodicals)
objectRights: label: Restrictions & Rights
content: © BLK Publishing Company, Inc
label: Restrictions & Rights
content: Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
physicalDescription: label: Medium
content: ink on paper (fiber product)
label: Dimensions
content: H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)