http://www.inthelifeatl.com/news/ en info@inthelifeatl.com Copyright 2008 2008-04-07T22:06:00-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/time-to-act-itla-revs-up-for-12th-annual-atlanta-black-pride-celebration/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/time-to-act-itla-revs-up-for-12th-annual-atlanta-black-pride-celebration/#When:22:06:00Z In the Life Atlanta, Inc. presents the 12th Annual Atlanta Black Pride celebration, “Time to Act” August 27th through September 1st, 2008 at the W Atlanta Midtown Hotel, 188 14th Street, NE., Atlanta, GA 30361. Atlanta, GA., April 7, 2008--- In the Life Atlanta, Inc. presents the 12th Annual Atlanta Black Pride celebration, “Time to Act” August 27th through September 1st, 2008 at the W Atlanta Midtown Hotel, 188 14th Street, NE., Atlanta, GA 30361. An estimated 75,000 are scheduled to attend the country’s largest cultural event that promotes the positive visibility of same-gender-loving and LGBTQ communities of color and African descent. “This year’s theme, Time to Act, reflects a transformative year of restoration for ITLA,” says Kenneth T. Jones, President of ITLA’s Board of Directors. “After enduring organizational growing pains that have been responsible for the death of many fledgling nonprofits, ITLA is still here providing safe spaces that affirm the lives and contributions of Black gays and lesbians because of the perseverance and determination of our outstanding volunteers.” Highlights of this year’s celebration include the launch of the Bayard Rustin-Barbara Jordan Social Change Institute. This special social justice project is an initiative designed to engage social reformists, community leaders and public elected officials in collaborative action to foster civic engagement; respect for diversity, thoughtful reflection; public imagination and enduring change in the communities where we live. Staying true to its Black Pride celebration tradition, visitors and guests can also expect to party with a purpose as they experience unexpected celebrity appearances and performances; access empowering workshops and seminars; and, explore a range of health and wellness programs designed to inspire, inform and enlighten all who attend this phenomenal celebration. While in our city, we encourage first time visitors to explore the many attractions Atlanta has to offer including: the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, the Apex Museum, Atlantic Station, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, Underground Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Children’s Museum of Atlanta and many more! We invite you to share in our southern hospitality, sample cuisine at our many fine restaurants and enjoy the rich and diverse heritage of our city. Visit www.inthelifeatl.com for information on events and booking your travel. Press Release 2008-04-07T22:06:00-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/acclaimed-entertainer-monte-st-james-gives-back-to-itla/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/acclaimed-entertainer-monte-st-james-gives-back-to-itla/#When:14:45:00Z James’ weekly ATL Purple Dragon Cabaret Show benefits organizers of Atlanta Black Pride 2nd Thursday of each month Atlanta, GA, March 13, 2008 – Ladies and gentlemen it’s show time! Monte R. St. James announces his plan to bring Atlanta a special weekly Las Vegas style cabaret show under the ATL PURPLE DRAGON brand. James and his revolving cast of 30 entertainers invite you to check out two dynamic shows starting at 10pm. and 12midnight every Thursday at The Atrium nightclub, 5479 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. The ethnically diverse show cast has an array of new and seasoned lip sync entertainers from all over the country, consisting of current and former national title holders; male leads; female impersonators; female to male illusionist; and, lesbian entertainers. “This variety show has been a vision of mine for quite some time,” says James. “I am extremely excited to have a team of professional choreographers, a board of directors as well as a media staff committed to implementing this vision through innovation and a commitment to excellence.” James’ commitment to the Atlanta community is reflected in his decision to donate a portion of the show’s proceeds to In the Life Atlanta, Inc. the chief organizer of the Atlanta Black Pride celebration. The 12th Annual Atlanta Black Pride event will take place August 27th through September 1st, 2008 under the theme, “Time to Act.” “The work of promoting the positive visibility of same-gender-loving and GLBTQ men and women of African descent cannot be done alone,” says Anare Holmes, ITLA’s Secretary and Director of Public Affairs. “Our entertainers and club promoters play a vital role in the quality of life Atlanta affords many of us and ITLA looks forward to building and strengthening our partnerships with some of the most creative and astute business minds in the industry.” About Monte R. St. James Monte R. St James is the “Father” of the House of St. James, with ties to the GLBT community stretching throughout the United States.  James has gained a formidable reputation as an innovative and premier lip sync entertainer during his 12 years in the craft.  He holds several local, state and national pageant titles and is considered a father in the industry.  Press Release 2008-03-13T14:45:00-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/2008-mlk-celebration-events-along-with-bayard-rustins-surviving-partner/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/2008-mlk-celebration-events-along-with-bayard-rustins-surviving-partner/#When:23:59:01Z January 15, 2008 - ATLANTA - In the Life Atlanta is proud to bring Bayard Rustin’s surviving partner to Atlanta on Wednesday, January 23rd to participate in Crossing Boundaries, part 2 of the special series, “Trailblazing Our Rights and Our Freedoms,” celebrating LGBT pioneers. All events will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Central branch, located at 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303. Other events are as follows: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Title: Trailblazing Our Rights and Our Freedoms - Part 1 Time: 7:00 pm Description: Power of One is Part 1 of an interactive media program series that honors LGBT Pioneers at the Atlanta Central Public Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303 (MARTA Peachtree Center Station Accessible) The Power of One: Celebrating Goldy and Joe Criscuolo. The Criscuolos led Cracker Barrel and Olympics Out of Cobb protests and were core members of Act Up and Queer Nation. Dave Hayward, writer, activist and Touching Up Our Roots coordinator, is the panel moderator. Saturday, January 19, 2008 Title: L.O.V.E. Coalition’s 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast Time: 10:00 am Description: This year our theme is: Creating a Community of Diversity and Acceptance. The guest speaker will be “Able” Mable Thomas. Ms. Mable Thomas, a native of Atlanta, is currently serving as a State Representative in the Georgia House of Representatives. Requested donation: $15. Event will take place at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Central branch, located at 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303. Contact: Stephon Collins at 404-492-2632 or Louis Hinton at 404-272- 8609. RSVP emails accepted at: lchinton@bellsouth.net Title: Social Justice Speakfire Time: 6:30 pm Description: Atlanta’s premiere organization for lesbians of African descent ZAMI presents a Social Justice Speakfire at the House of IntegriTEA. This event will include an LGBTQ intergenerational dialogue and a spoken word open mic featuring some of Atlanta’s most skillful wordsmiths addressing themes related to social justice and liberation. This event will be presented in conjunction with the Rustin- Lorde Breakfast to provide an artistic space for Black LGBTQ and progressive communities during the MLK weekend. Location: 312 C. N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA Contact: Marry Anne Adams at 404.370.1392 Monday, January 21, 2008 Title: The 2008 Atlanta Bayard Rustin-Audre Lorde Breakfast Time: 9:00 am Description: Breakfast will be held at Atlanta First United Methodist Church. The 7th annual event has a new name and home. Lorde’s name has been added to honor the legendary Black lesbian feminist writer/activist and highlight the significance of Black women’s leadership in human rights movements. Positive Impact, an agency that provides free mental health services for people affected by HIV, will serve as the fiscal agent for the event. Location: 360 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA Contact: Darlene Hudson at 404.441.4827 or Craig Washington at 404.589.9040 x104 Title: Martin Luther King Jr. March Time: 12:45 pm Description: Following the breakfast attendess will proceed to the Martin Luther King Jr March and gather at the line-up site on Peachtree and Ellis streets at 12:45pm. The MLK March kicks off at 1pm. Location: Intersection of Peachtree and Ellis St., Atlanta, GA Contact: Darlene Hudson at 404.441.4827 or Craig Washington at 404.589.9040 x104 Wednesday, January 23, 2008 Title: Crossing Boundaries. Part 2 of the Trailblazing Our Rights and Our Freedoms series Time: 7:00 pm Description: Part 2 of an interactive media program series that honors LGBT Pioneers at the Atlanta Central Public Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303 (MARTA Peachtree Center Station Accessible) Crossing Boundaries celebrates Winston Johnson and Walter Naegle. Find out what inspired Coretta Scott King to become involved in the Gay Rights Movement as you hear from Bayard Rustin’s surviving partner Walter Naegle discuss Rustin’s involvement in social change. Panel Topic: 40 Years After King’s Dream: Where are we in the struggle to achieve Civil and Human Rights? Moderated by award-winning journalist Anaré V. Holmes, In the Life Atlanta’s Executive Board Secretary. Thursday, January 24, 2008 Title: Ties that Bind. The final installment of the three part Trailblazing Our Rights and Our Freedoms series Time: 7:00 pm Description: Ties That Bind: Celebrating Judy Colbs: Colbs was a leader in the Atlanta chapter of Parents and Friends and Families of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) for over 20 years. Alan Richard, journalist and human rights advocate, is the panel moderator. Event location: Atlanta Central Public Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303 (MARTA Peachtree Center Station Accessible) For a full listing, visit http://www.inthelifeatl.com/events/mlk/. Press Release 2008-01-15T23:59:01-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/itla-co-produces-2008-king-holiday-event/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/itla-co-produces-2008-king-holiday-event/#When:19:58:01Z .  January 5, 2008 - ATLANTA - In The Life Atlanta teams up with several community organizations to co- produce the special series, “Trailblazing Our Rights and Our Freedoms,” celebrating LGBT pioneers with interviews, screenings and panel discussions on January 16, January 23 and January 31. All events will begin at 7:00 p.m at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Central branch, located at 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303. January 16 - The Power of One: Celebrating Goldy and Joe Criscuolo The Criscuolos led Cracker Barrel and Olympics Out of Cobb protests and were core members of Act Up and Queer Nation. Dave Hayward, writer, activist and Touching Up Our Roots coordinator, is the panel moderator. January 23 - Crossing Boundaries: Celebrating Winston Johnson and Walter Naegle Johnson inspired Coretta Scott King to become involved in the Gay Rights Movement. Walter Naegle, partner of the late Bayard Rustin who was an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be a special guest panelist. Panel Topic: 40 Years After King’s Dream: What are the successes and challenges to building effective cross cultural coalitions in the struggle for Civil and Human Rights. Moderated by Anaré V. Holmes, award-winning journalist. January 31 - Ties That Bind: Celebrating Judy Colbs Colbs was a leader in the Atlanta chapter of Parents and Friends and Families of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) for over 20 years. Alan Richard, journalist and human rights advocate, is the panel moderator. The Central Library is located at One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303. All events will be held in the Auditorium, Lower Level. For more information, call 404-730-1941. These events are sponsored by In The Life Atlanta, Inc., Touching Up Our Roots, Inc.: Georgia’s LGBT History Project Initiative; The GLBT Center, Special Collections Department, Central Library, the Atlanta Pride Committee with support from Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall. Find out more about In the Life Atlanta at www.inthelifeatl.com Press Release 2008-01-05T19:58:01-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/maurice-jamal-and-dl-chronicles-added-to-film-festival/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/maurice-jamal-and-dl-chronicles-added-to-film-festival/#When:22:59:01Z Acclaimed filmmaker Maurice Jamal and here! Networks’ DL Chronicles added to Atlanta Black Pride Film Festival Atlanta, August 22, 2007—In The Life Atlanta, Inc. announces two new additions to its 2007 See Us In The Life Film Festival set for Saturday, September 1st at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. The film festival is a sanctioned event of ITLA’s 11th Annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebration. To commemorate the legacy of pioneering black gay filmmaker Marlon Riggs, this year’s film festival debuts the Marlon Riggs Speaker Series featuring acclaimed writer/director Maurice Jamal (Dirty Laundry, Ski Trip, Noah’s Arc) and author James Earl Hardy. Both scribes will discuss their efforts to transform Hardy’s breakthrough novel “B-Boy Blues” from the printed page to the silver screen.  Jamal’s most recent feature, “Dirty Laundry,” stars Loretta Devine (Grey’s Anatomy, Dreamgirls), Rockmund Dunbar (Prison Break, Soulfood) and Jennifer Lewis (Whose Your Caddy?, Madea’s Family Reunion).  The film, which took top honors at the American Black Film Festival (Blockbuster Award for Best U.S. Feature, Best Actor – Loretta Devine) will open be in theaters nationwide early 2008. The here! Network series DL Chronicles also makes a return to this year’s See Us In The Life Film Festival. Series creators Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett screened the television show at ITLA’s popular film festival last year, capturing a win for Best Short.  Chronicles tells the stories of men of color who by consequence and by choice, live sexually duplicitous and secret lifestyles.. “The addition of DL Chronicles marks a full circle moment for the See Us In The Life Film Festival,” says Kenneth T. Jones, president of ITLA’s Board of Directors. “We are so proud of these gifted gentlemen and of ITLA’s efforts to create vehicles that showcase the work of emerging black LGBT filmmakers.” See Us In the Life Film Festival Highlights Include: BETJ Networks Real Life Divas by Nathan Hale Williams; feature film Blueprint by Kirk Shannon-Butts; writer/director Amber Sharp’s Don’t Go television series; AIDS Chronicles documentary by Bailey Barash and the short Silence After The Club by Will Brown. Press Release 2007-08-22T22:59:01-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/vip-pass-10-off-for-itlas-myspace-friends-august-13-17/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/vip-pass-10-off-for-itlas-myspace-friends-august-13-17/#When:04:12:00Z Haven’t bought your VIP Pride Pass yet? For a limited time, In the Life Atlanta is offering $10 off on new VIP Pride Pass purchases for those who add ITLA as one of their top friends on their MySpace page! It’s easy, just add ITLA as your friend (if you haven’t already) and make sure they show up in your top friend list. Then send us an email on MySpace so we can check it out, and Voila! You get the special code for $10 off for your online VIP Pass purchase (discount applies to only one pass if you are buying more than one).  Not sure what’s all included in ITLA’s VIP Pride Pass? A VIP Pride Pass is your ALL ACCESS pass to every ITLA Atlanta Black Pride event AND 50% off admission to bars and clubs listed on our website and other select parties in Atlanta over Labor Day Weekend. Add ITLA to your MySpace page. Order your VIP Pass. Action Alert 2007-08-16T04:12:00-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/taking-your-health-to-the-next-level/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/taking-your-health-to-the-next-level/#When:04:16:01Z Workshops, films, entertainment, AND free health screenings valued at over $500?! In addition to ITLA’s event packed weekend, we will bring you our annual Living in Our Pride Health Expo, Saturday, September 1st at the Sheraton Atlanta. Dozens of vendors will be on hand to do health screenings for HIV/AIDS, blood pressure, and diabetes. Local and National health organizations will provide information on breast cancer, eye care, health insurance, mental health, dental care, and much more. “We encourage people from the community to participate in this year’s event as we want LGBTQ people of color to live happy, healthy, and whole lives,” says Raymond Duke, ITLA Board Liaison for the Health Expo. Early detection for many illnesses can be the difference between life and death. Attendees will have the opportunity learn more about staying healthy, learn more about their own health status, and learn ways to increase their own wellness. Participants may also take part in interactive presentations and workshops series. The Living in our Pride Health Expo is free, so bring your friends and family. Here’s to a healthy Pride Weekend! Action Alert 2007-08-15T04:16:01-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/itla-showcases-african-american-lgbtq-film-makers/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/itla-showcases-african-american-lgbtq-film-makers/#When:04:10:01Z Come see US on the big screen when ITLA showcases 4 feature films by and about the LGBTQ community of color. The film festival showcases talent of filmmakers, animators, artists, and other whose work explores images and themes relevant to the African American LGBTQ Community.  This year’s festival will open with a conversation with Johnathan Plummer who will share his nationally spotlighted coming out story after his divorce from acclaimed author Terry McMillan. Plummer will have an up close and personal public discussion on how he is moving forward with his life on his own terms. “We will have a few surprises up our sleeve this year,” says Anare Holmes, ITLA Board Liaison for the Film Festival. “The films we have selected to screen are genuine with drama, comedy, and food for thought for all who attend. We are looking forward to hearing from Johnathan Plummer too; his coming out story is very profound.” This year, four films will be featured, one includes the pilot of a hot new television series. The films cover topics such as young love, drama between friends, social and cultural impacts of HIV/AIDS, and coming out. If you have missed ITLA’s previous film festivals, be sure to get your seat this year. These four films will hit the silver screens with stories that everyone can relate to. The See Us in the Life Film Festival will be held on Saturday, September 1st at the Sheraton Atlanta Downtown, from 2PM-7PM. Admission is free for VIP and Unity Pass holders, admission for non-pass holders is $5 per movie of $10 for an all-day pass. Come See Us in the Life. Action Alert 2007-08-14T04:10:01-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/atlanta-black-pride-festival-moving-to-the-next-level/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/atlanta-black-pride-festival-moving-to-the-next-level/#When:04:06:00Z Atlanta, GA, August 7, 2007. In The Life Atlanta, Inc. Board of Directors and the organization’s dedicated volunteers are proud to present and host the 11th annual Atlanta Black Pride festival, scheduled from August 29th through September 3rd. This year’s theme - Moving to the Next Level, symbolizes the pride of eleven great years of celebrating the rich contributions and achievements Black gays and lesbians make in Atlanta and throughout the nation.  As the world’s largest Black Gay Pride celebration, we invite you to join us for a weekend filled with empowering, culturally relevant programs, along with a great mix of stellar entertainment events that are sure to inform, inspire and enlighten this year’s estimated 50,000 guests and visitors. ITLA Signature Events include: the Candlelight Vigil, Opening Ceremony, Speak Fire Spoken Word and Poetry Slam, the See Us In The Life Film Festival, the Living in Your Pride Fashion Show and our Jazz Brunch, Literary Café and other special events. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in the Black Pride Marketplace, as social activist and community allies will be on hand for the annual Stand Up and Represent. This year ITLA, through a partnership with the Montreux Jazz Festival Atlanta, has added to its event lineup the festival’s concert featuring Aretha Franklin on September 1st at Chastain Park. Other special guests include: Madonna’s long-time backup singer and current VISA pitch woman Niki Haris; author Jonathan Plummer; renowned theologian and professor Rev. Dr. Randall Bailey; Donald Trump’s Apprentice contestant - Carey Sherrill; and the Ken Trimmins Jazz Quartet and others. In conjunction with the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition, ITLA will hold an informative Town Hall Meeting, 6pm. Thursday, August 30th to discuss strategies that can help reduce the rates of HIV/AIDS infection in the Black community. Most events, unless otherwise noted, will take place at this year’s host hotel, the Sheraton Atlanta, located at 165 Courtland Street NE. ITLA will honor the memories of two fallen soldiers - J. Lawrence Warren and Tony Childs. These community activists worked hard in the fight to find a cure for HIV/AIDS and to support those who were affected by the decease. Their hard work is a reflection of the work ITLA continues to do as it heightens public awareness of the issues that impact gays and lesbians of African descent. For more information go to: www.inthelifeatl.com. 2007-08-08T04:06:00-05:00 http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/itla-salutes-and-honors-the-life-of-tony-childs/ http://www.inthelifeatl.com/itla.php/news/press/itla-salutes-and-honors-the-life-of-tony-childs/#When:16:13:00Z Atlanta, GA, July 23, 2007. ITLA along with the community will be saying farewell and a job well done to our crusader, Tony Childs. He worked for the DeKalb Health Department, and was the creator of ITLA Black Pride Health Expo and Candle Light Vigil events held during Labor Day Weekend. ITLA will honor his memory by honoring his legacy during Pride 2007.  Former ITLA Board of Director Darlene Hudson talks about their relationship. “Clean as the board of Health - I would always say when we greeted each other. Known for his impeccable taste and style; Tony’s contributions to the community reached far beyond any specific group of people, as he honestly worked hard for the well being of all people. His life represents the true meaning of dedication, loyalty, and pride. He demonstrated his commitment to Black Gay Pride over the years by organizing the health fair that he believed could in some way brings information to people and help save lives. Tony’s work in HIV/ AIDS services at the DeKalb County Board of Health was also marked by dedication and professionalism. He truly exemplified unconditional concern for others. I can only hope that one day I can live up the standards he set. Tony will truly be missed. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. Rev. 14:13” Child’s dedication and hard work to not only finding a cure for HIV/AIDS, he also created programs to help the community. He was and always will be remembered as a true advocate for those infected and affected by this illness. He envisioned the Candle Light Vigil as an event to celebration the lives of those who made their transition, and then modified the program to also celebrate the living. The Expo features information and presentations from many of the leading local and national health organizations. The Expo provides information on nutrition, holistic health, and environmental health. Participates attending the Expo can be screened for diabetes, hypertension, HIV, and other common health concerns. Press Release 2007-07-23T16:13:00-05:00