Lighthouse Foundation's 4th Anniversary Fundraiser: Celebrating Four Years of Advancing Social Justice for our Black LGBTQ+ Community
On Saturday, July 8, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland (LF) marked a significant milestone as we celebrated our 4th Anniversary Fundraiser. Held at Meeting House Tavern in Andersonville, the event served as a momentous occasion to reflect upon our many achievements during our formative years.
For four years, we’ve been at the forefront of advancing justice for Black LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland, employing a holistic approach to our programs and racial justice initiatives. As a testament to their support of our work, Meeting House Tavern generously donated the use of their space, a shining example of the accompliceship we ask of the broader LGBTQ+ community in supporting racial justice.
The event kicked off with music presented by Voices of Light (VOL), our Black LGBTQ+ music collective. Their soulful performances paid homage to the influential work of Black and Queer artists, matching the atmosphere of celebration and unity.
In addition to VOL, attendees also witness an electrifying display of talent by renowned drag performer Kenya Sanchez. With over ten years of experience in the industry, Kenya effortlessly commanded the room, leaving attendees in awe of her mesmerizing presence. Her powerful and dynamic performances, infused with soulful Black-ass music numbers, added an extra layer of excitement to the event. The pinnacle of Kenya’s performances was her closing act, a stunning rendition of "CHURCH GIRL" by Beyoncé.
The performances of VOL and Kenya brought undeniable energy and exuberance to the event, reminding attendees of the power of fostering artistic expression when, as Black Queer folks, we’re often told to suppress it. However, the event was not just about revelry. It also allowed individuals to share their stories and shed light on the importance of Lighthouse Foundation's mission. Pastor Larry Morris III of Inclusive Collective Chicago and Pastor Rebecca of Gilead Church Chicago took the stage to deliver powerful narratives that underscored their deep connection to the organization's cause.
During her storytelling session, Pastor Rebecca emphasized the role of privilege, collective action, and the significance of saying "yes" when presented with opportunities to support racial equity. “You can learn to say yes,” said Pastor Rebecca, “If you are a person with privilege and you have the opportunity to shut up unless asked and follow instructions, good news: you can say yes. If you care about racial equity, and Lighthouse Foundation gives you the chance to join forces and take action, which they have done, friends, they are asking right now — you can say yes.”
The presence of numerous supporters, including members of the Black LGBTQ+ community and CARE churches, further reinforced the impact and reach of our work and how we’ve successfully united supporters via a shared commitment to social justice and equality.
As the event drew to a close, LF Executive Director Jamie Frazier took the stage to address the crowd. Jamie expressed gratitude for the tremendous support received from the community and highlighted the ongoing work that lies ahead. "There is still work to be done,” he concluded aptly, “There are new programs to be brought to our Black LGBTQ+ community, and there are nonprofits yet to be held accountable."
Alongside the steadfast support of our community, we remain resolute in our mission to effect transformative change. The success of our 4th Anniversary Fundraiser serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our organization's team, volunteers, and supporters. With four remarkable years behind us, we eagerly look forward to the future, striving to create a more just and inclusive society for the Black LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
