Author: Alan Bell
Alternate names: Bell, Alan (Editor); Bell, Alan
Bio: Alan Bell is president of BLK Publishing Company, Inc., founded in 1988 to publish magazines targeted to the Black lesbian and gay community. At present, the firm concentrates on graphic design and custom publishing with a special focus on developing materials for non-profit organizations that target underserved communities. In 1977, he founded Gaysweek, New York City's first mainstream weekly lesbian and gay newspaper and the first owned by an African American. For 11 years, Bell was the film critic at the Los Angeles Sentinel. He has edited three books and appeared in the Los Angeles Times. Among his many honors, he is recipient of a Premier Print Award (known colloquially as a Benny), the most prestigious award in the printing trade. In March 2015, the Los Angeles City Council passed a resolution commending him for Exceptional Achievement and Dedication. Bell holds BA and MA degrees in sociology, and a BS degree in business. This collection consists of printed matter, such as flyers, press releases, programs, and mailers, some of which are in the form of emails, about international LGBTQ events, organizations, and conferences, all of which was presumably collected by Alan Bell. Organizations include Other Countries and Brother 2 Brother (an annual men's retreat in California), among others. Events include a conference on HIV prevention for Latinos in Philadelphia and Black Gay Cruise (from Los Angeles to Baja, Mexico), also among others. There are also general press releases, such as one about a study on woman to woman sexual violence.