<I>BLK Vol. 2 No. 6</I>
date: label: Date
content: June 1990
name: label: Published by
content: Alan Bell, American
label: Edited by
content: Alan Bell, American
label: Interview of
content: Barbara Smith, American, born 1946
label: Subject of
content: Audre Lorde, American, 1934 - 1992
label: Subject of
content: National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, American, 1978 - 1990
label: Subject of
content: Blackberri, American, 1945 - 2021
label: Subject of
content: Joseph F. Beam, American, 1954 - 1988
label: Subject of
content: Michael Smith, American, died 1989
label: Subject of
content: National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980
label: Subject of
content: Marlon Riggs, American, 1957 - 1994
label: Subject of
content: Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, American, 1988 - 2003
label: Subject of
content: Louis Farrakhan, American, born 1933
label: Subject of
content: National Rainbow Coalition, American, 1984 - 1996
label: Subject of
content: Lavender Light, American, founded 1985
label: Subject of
content: National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980
label: Subject of
content: Larry Saxxon, American
label: Subject of
content: Pat Norman, American, born 1939
label: Subject of
content: Sabrina Sojourner, American, born 1952
label: Subject of
content: Phill Wilson, American, born 1956
label: Subject of
content: Rev. Dr. Renee McCoy, American, born 1951
label: Subject of
content: Winnie Mandela, South African, 1936 - 2018
label: Subject of
content: Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985
label: Subject of
content: President George H. W. Bush, American, born 1924
label: Subject of
content: Ku Klux Klan, 3rd, American, founded 1946
label: Subject of
content: Rep. Maxine Waters, American, born 1938
label: Subject of
content: Jewel Thais-Williams, American
label: Subject of
content: AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power, American, founded 1987
label: Subject of
content: Roger V. Pamplin Jr., American, died 1990
label: Subject of
content: Rev. Al Sharpton, American, born 1954
label: Subject of
content: W.E.B. Du Bois, American, 1868 - 1963
label: Subject of
content: James Baldwin, American, 1924 - 1987
label: Subject of
content: Langston Hughes, American, 1902 - 1967
label: Subject of
content: Lorraine Hansberry, American, 1930 - 1965
label: Subject of
content: Keith St. John, American, born 1957
label: Subject of
content: Spike Lee, American, born 1957
label: Subject of
content: Eddie Murphy, American, born 1961
label: Subject of
content: Arsenio Hall, American, born 1956
label: Subject of
content: Bayard Rustin, American, 1912 - 1987
label: Subject of
content: Dr. Sylvia Rhue, American, born 1947
label: Subject of
content: Dionne Warwick, American, born 1940
label: Subject of
content: Christopher "Kid" Reid, American, born 1964
label: Subject of
content: Diana Ross, American, born 1944
notes: label: Description
content: This is the 19th issue of BLK Magazine published June 1990. The front covers features an black and white image of Barbara Smith from the waist up in a sweater as her face leans into her left hand, which is rested on a table. She is wearing a pair of small hoops on her ears and a ring on her right hand. In the upper left corner [BLK] is printed in large, bold, white uppercase letters within a blue rectangular box, with the “K” partially obscured by the image of Smith. The date and issue [Vol. 2, No. 6, Whole No. 19, June 1990] are printed [below] the BLK box in white text. Below, [Barbara Smith] is printed in white text, with [HER WEAPON IS / THE WRITTEN WORD] in blue text. In the right, upper corner, a blue rectangular box is position diagonally, covering Smith’s head. This second blue rectangular box has black text that reads [NEW MONTHLY SECTION / BLK ARTS]. Below and aligned to the right is white text announcing the two feature stories in white text: [RADICAL FAËRIES] with blue text underneath reading [Politics, Spirituality and Sex] and [BLACK GAY vs. GAY BLACK] also with blue text underneath reading [Just a Matter of Semantics?]. At the bottom of the cover, blue text announces the sections of the issue [NEWS • CARTOONS • WORD UP • READ MY LIPS • CLASSIFIEDS]. There are 64 numbered pages, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and illustrations throughout.
label: Description
content: The inside of the cover features an ad for Minority AIDS project for their event [“What Every Woman / Should Know… / … An Invitation to Women” / to an Open House]. The content opens with the section [WORD UP / News of the Outrageous, the Amusing, the Pathetic and the Unexpected] by Leon Miller with three articles: [‘National’ One Ups ‘Word Up’], [Black Soccer Star Kicks Minorities], and [Bugs in Blackface].
label: Description
content: This is followed by [JUMP START] on page 4, with founder Alan Bell addressing the global issues faced by the lesbian and gay community. Below is the [CONTENTS], and on the same page, a column for the BLK masthead.
label: Description
content: The first feature story, which begins on page 7, is titled [Into the Woods / Radical faërie movement combines earthy spirituality / with insurgent politics] with the label headline [FEATURE]. Written by Henry Holmes, the article talks about the counterculture movement redefining gay consciousness through spirituality, politics, sexuality, imagination, and environmentalism. There are three black and white photographs of radical faërie gatherings. A related article titled [BLACKBERRI: Searching for My Gay Spiritual Roots] can be found on page 11 and is written by Blackberri.
label: Description
content: The second feature story, which begins on page 15, is titled [Sissies in the Hands / of an Angry God / A classic updated for modern times] with the label headline [OPINION]. Written by James Stokes, the article is about the relationship between African American gays and lesbians with churches that condemn homosexuality.
label: Description
content: The cover story, which begins on page 17, is titled [Barbara Smith / A political revolutionary whose choice of / weapons is the written word] with the label headline [THE BLK INTERVIEW]. Conducted and written by Alycee J. Lane, Smith discusses her roles as the editor and publisher of "Kitchen Table: Woman of Color Press," the role of political writing, capitalism, and Black lesbians facing sexism and racism.
label: Description
content: The third feature story, which begins on page 25, is titled [Black Gay vs. Gay Black / Some say it’s only semantics, but others / are ready to go to war] with the label headline [COMMENTARY]. Written by L. Lloyd Jordan, the article largely covers the tension between individuals who identify either as gay Black or Black gay and how their identity may be influenced by social life, economic status, and political beliefs.
label: Description
content: Several shorter articles appear under the section [BLK NEWS], with the section heading printed in white text against a blue filled rectangular box. Beginning on page 21, these articles include: [National Interracial Organization Marks 10th Year] about the National Association of Black and White Men’s convention featuring Larry Saxxon, Thom Bean, Sabrina Sojourner, Phill Wilson, A. Bill S. Jones, Charles Stewart, Urvashi Vaid, Renee McCoy, Pat Norman and Lidell Jackson, [Man Implicated Winne Mandela in Beatings], [Black Forum Tells Plans for 1991 Conference] about the 1991 National Black Gay and Lesbian Conference sponsored by the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, [Bush Says No to Baptists] about President George Bush turning down an invition from the Southern Baptist Convention, [KKK Tries Gay Sabotage], [FBI Nabs Bar Bombs on Way to Gay Target / by Rex Wockner] about white supremacists en route to blow up Seattle gay bar, Neighbours Disco, [Women of Color Organize] a Chicago social group for lesbians of color named Daisy, [Willie Barrow, Ex PUSH Head, Addresses BWMT / by Rex Wockner], [Thaïs-Williams, Waters Get 1990 CSW Award] about the Christopher Street West awards, [Mayoral Hopeful Slams Black Gays at D.C. Forum], [New AIDS-Related Virus Health Risk for Blacks], [Scientists Find Two Chimps with AIDS-like Infection], [Leading Mayoral Hopeful Speaks to Black Gay Men] in Oakland, CA, [ACT-UP Protests; TV Cut], [Kenyan Doctor Claims Cure for AIDS Symptoms], [Government, Institutions Oppress Gays in México] a campaign in the city against gay men and lesbians raising international concern as the local organization Grupo Orgulla Homosexual de Liberación is scheduled to host the International Lesbian and Gay Association Annual World Conference, [Black Community Board Opposes AIDS Facility], [46 Minority Groups Get Free Apple Computers], [CDC April Statistics on AIDS Cases in U.S.], [State Supreme Court Oks Death for Killer of Gay Men], [2nd Gay Group in Ghana Surfaces; Seeks Contact / by Rex Wockner] about the Club de Legayes reaching out to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force for support, [Actor and AIDS Advocate Roger Pamplin Passes] about Roger Vernon Pamplin Jr., [Sharpton Supports Gays], [‘Integrated Gay Bashers Strike Hillcrest Again], and [Las Entendidas Hosts] about a Costa Rican lesbian organization that hosted the Second Latin American and Caribbean Lesbian Feminist Conference.
label: Description
content: The section [BLK VEIL] is on page 43 and lists two obituaries: Roger Keith Bass and Leon Daniels Jr.
label: Description
content: This is followed by the newly announced section [BLK ARTS] on page 45. The subsection [MOVIES] has one article titled [Not Enough, Too Many Minorities / by Alan Bell]; the subsection [MUSIC] has one article titled [Diana Ross Does Want She Wants / by Ron Smith]; the subsection [BOOKS] has one article [Lambda Awards, Recent Books / by Mark Haile]; and the subsection [THEATER] has one article [Black Beckers of Baldwin Hills] by Steve White.
label: Description
content: The gossip column [Read My Lips] can be found on page 51 followed by [BLK LIST], a listing of gay and lesbian organizations, bars, and baths, runs from pages 53 to 55. Entities are assigned one to four stars based on how Black they are, with one star meaning “Somewhat black” and four stars “All black”. The section is divided by international organizations, followed by regions in the U.S. The issue concludes with the classifieds section [BLK MARKET], starting on page 57, with personal ads divided by gender, then international and U.S. regions.
label: Description
content: The back cover is a full-page advertisement for the Stonewall Union’s [THE OHIO LESBIAN GAY FREEDOM MARCH AND FESTIVAL] with keynote speaker Keith St. John.
label: Description
content: There are advertisements throughout, including: Men of All Colors Together, New York Chapter [A Cultural, Political, & Social / Extravaganza] and [4th Annual Circle Line Cruise / Dancy Party / BOAT RIDE]; AIDS Hospice Foundation [We’re Changing Our Name To / AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION]; [TAKE PRIDE] about the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Pride Celebration; a full-page ad of Jewel’s Catch One events: [PICO BEACH], [Annual / Hawaiian / Boat Ride], [CONGRATULATIONS “BOSS”] to celebrate Jewel’s recent award, screening of Marlon Riggs’ film [TONGUES UNTIED], and [BROTHERS / IN THE NAME / OF LOVE] a benefit for Rue’s House; [Be A Buddy To Someone With AIDS] a support program by the AIDS Project Los Angeles; The AIDS Prevention Teams and Jewel’s Catch One co-present [THE SAFER SEX SHOW / in conjunction with the / DIONNE WARWICK FOUNDATION’S / THIRD ANNUAL AIDS BENEFIT GALA]; San Diego Lesbian & Gay Pride presents itinerary for [LOOK TO THE FUTURE / A NEW DECADE / OF LESBIAN & GAY PRIDE]; [AIDS / TREATMENT / NEWS / Published twice monthly by John S. James]; AIDS Prevention Team [Do you have questions / about HIV antibody testing / and what you can do?]; People of Color Prevention Programs of Gay Men’s Health Crisis and AIDS Initiative Department of Harlem Hospital Center’s event [PARADIGMS OF PRIDE: / COMMUNITY HEALTH MODELS FOR / GAY MEN OF COLOR] for Black, Latino, and other gay men of color; [The San Francisco Chapter of / Black & White Men Together / cordially invited both men & women / to join us for out / 10th Anniversary Convention]; [the BFP TEE]; [Hot, Horny & Healthy! / a Fun, Safer Sex Playshop] by the AIDS Prevention Team; photo ad for the Unity Steppers; [FOR BLACK GAY & / BISEXUAL MEN ONLY!] from the African American Men’s Health Project; [Buddies ‘n’ Pals / ‘n’ Partners] dating service for major cities in the U.S. and Canada; [An Afternoon with / JEWEL THAÏS-WILLIAMS / and / JOHN DURAN] with The Center, the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center; [COMPLETE AUTO DETAILING / TWO HOT HANDSOME MEN / WILL DETAIL YOU AUTO /BODY] by The Prestige Club Process; [ACT-UP/LA needs / your input • your leadership • your anger!]; [Lambda Alumni of U.C.L.A. / New Membership Drive]; photo ad of Kathy Perkins and Phill Barber who won the silver medal in the Pairs Competition at Physique ’89 practice posing for Physique ’90; [Unity Fellowship Church / A Church for All People]; [Black and White Men Together]; [LOOKING FOR MODELS / CREATIVE IMAGES]; photo obituary for Leon Daniels, Jr by his brother, Breelund; text box obituary for Jack Wheaten; [A DIFFERENT LIGHT / Gay and Lesbian Literature]; a photo ad of the cover from the program guide of the 14th San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, also known as Frameline [free your mind / no limit]; [970-WOLF]; a photo ad for the play [STANLEY BENNETT CLAY’S / RITUAL]; [Come Out! Come Home! / Fourth Annual National / Black Gay and Lesbian Conference] sponsored by Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum in Los Angeles, CA; [A Black on Black / Xchange for a / “Change” / B.G.M.X] or the The Black Gay Men’s Exchange support group; [976-HUNK]; [The Pleasure Chest Ltd.]; [Chocolate Joy Productions]; [GET A LITTLE… FUN!]; [ACCESS / The Center / The Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center] counseling services; [Reactions]; and [TALK LIVE!].
place: label: Place made
content: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, 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: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, 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: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: San Diego, San Diego County, California, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Seattle, King County, Washington, United States, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa
label: Place depicted
content: Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya, Africa
label: Place depicted
content: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Latin America, North and Central America
label: Place depicted
content: Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana, Africa
label: Place depicted
content: San José, San José, Costa Rica, Latin America, 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: Gender
label: Topic
content: Health
label: Topic
content: Identity
label: Topic
content: International affairs
label: Topic
content: Language
label: Topic
content: LGBTQ
label: Topic
content: Literature
label: Topic
content: Mass media
label: Topic
content: Medicine
label: Topic
content: Men
label: Topic
content: Nature
label: Topic
content: Politics
label: Topic
content: Race relations
label: Topic
content: Religion
label: Topic
content: Resistance
label: Topic
content: Sexuality
label: Topic
content: Spirituality
label: Topic
content: Sports
label: Topic
content: U.S. History, 1969-2001
label: Topic
content: Violence
label: Topic
content: White supremacy movements
label: Topic
content: Women
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: African American - Latinx Solidarity
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: 2018.108.19
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)