Jul 03, 2009   | COMMENTS     

Black Americans should stand with gays in fight for rights

To the Editors:
Re: “D.C. officials block marriage referendum” (news, June 19)

On behalf of the Maryland Black Family Alliance, I applaud the District of Columbia Board of Elections’ rejection of the call for a voter referendum on the recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. 

The election board understands that a person or group’s civil rights should not be validated by the pleasure or displeasure of any vocal group or segment of the electorate. We African Americans should be especially sensitive to calls for voter approval of someone’s legal/civil rights. Black Americans would not have obtained all or any of our civil and human rights if we relied upon any municipality, county or state to vote permission of these rights. 

As late as the mid-1960s, most Southern states had political and voter-approved barriers to African Americans obtaining equal opportunities in education, voting, economic development and judicial justice. Up until 1960, Virginia and some other states had voter-approved laws forbidding recognition of marriages between persons of different races. In each of these and similar instances, the disadvantaged needed legislative or judicial intervention to knock down racial barriers and correctly extend or recognize a legitimate civil or human right for black citizens/families. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t also recognize and applaud the black church leadership that stood strong in support of this recognition of marriage, and their additional condemnation of those insensitive elements of our community that reject the notion that some black Americans are in same-sex loving (and committed) relationships. In their stance, these black religious leaders affirmed the value of black LGBT members in our community; that they have legitimate rights as citizens, and that lesbian and gay male led families deserve to have their relationships recognized and supported.  

I applaud the D.C. City Council for its legislative action, the Board of Elections for its rejection of the referendum petition, and all District residents who recognize the injustice of bigotry and legal practices that discriminate and cause harm to our communities. I also have faith the election board’s position will be upheld if or when challenged in court.


ELBRIDGE JAMES
Rockville, Md.

Editors’ note: The writer is director of the Maryland Black Family Alliance.


Don’t forget small towns when marching for equality

To the Editors:
Re: “March on Washington seen as ‘bare-bones’ affair” (news, June 12)

The March on Washington is now the March for Equality. Why not make it a national effort?

The upcoming March in Washington in mid-October is a national event, but taking place only in the nation’s capital. While many agree this is the right time for another rally based on the obvious neglect and disrespect of the Democratic majority in Congress and President Obama toward the LGBT community, it’s one event in one location.

And I have no problem with such a plan. But the plan needs to be broadened. Not every gay, lesbian, transgender, questioning and otherwise supportive individual can afford to travel to Washington for a weekend of demonstrations and camaraderie afforded those able to make the trip. And will the march gain full national, regional and local media exposure necessary to enlighten the many smaller towns and cities throughout the country embroiled in battles on a more local level? I doubt it.

I propose supporting the March on Washington (March for Equality), but take it a few steps further and encourage smaller towns and cities throughout the U.S. to hold simultaneous rallies on the local level. Let’s formulate a cohesive mission statement and a strategic plan of action. Whether it be one major city per state or several, this grassroots effort would go further in bringing attention to all of the U.S. that we’re here, and although we’re queer, we’re also sane, taxpaying people, and we want our equal rights now — no more discrimination on any level.

I will use Alabama as an example. And as all of you know, any Southern state is a hard nut to crack as far as gay rights are concerned. It’s the Bible Belt, home to Bible-thumping, gun-toting, righteous bigots unwilling to bend on gay issues. So for Alabama, I would recommend a state-coordinated event in either Montgomery or Birmingham where LGBT people from throughout the state that could not afford the trip to Washington could afford the drive to either of these towns. State media would be more likely to actually cover these events than the MOW. Perhaps a statewide organization such as Equality Alabama could act as the coordinating body in Alabama with support from other groups ...