From: NGLTF@aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Oct 1995 11:23:44 -0400 Subject: NGLTF Honors Cong. Black Caucus ************************************************* National Gay and Lesbian Task Force NEWS RELEASE Contact: Beth Barrett (202) 332-6483 ext. 3215 bbarrett@ngltf.org 2320 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20009 ************************************************* CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS HONORED National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Thanks CBC Before a Packed House of National and Community Leaders Washington, DC -- October 25, 1995 --Over 250 national and community leaders and supporters packed the Hyatt Regency last night as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) paid tribute to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). The gala affair, which featured a stunning performance by Grammy award-winning Sweet Honey and Rock, honored the CBC for their unfailing support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in Congress. Keith Boykin, Executive Director of the National Black Gay and Lesbian Task Force served as Master of Ceremonies and co-chair of NGLTF's sixth annual Honoring Our Allies event. Introducing the speakers, Boykin highlighted the CBC's voting record including support of domestic partnership registration in Washington, DC, gays in the military and the Hate Crime Statistics Act. Boykin stressed the importance of CBC support given the efforts of the Radical Right to drive a wedge between the African-American community and the gay and lesbian community. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) lauded the CBC for their consistent support of the gay and lesbian community. The openly gay Massachusetts congressman said he had come to count on the support of the CBC members. "It's nice to have friends who will help when you call on them," Frank said. "It's even nicer when you don't have to ask." Frank also praised NGLTF for its leadership role in honoring the CBC, whose support has too often gone unrecognized. "This is true leadership, folks," Frank said. Presenting the award, Melinda Paras, NGLTF Executive Director, called on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to "wake up" and recognize true friends. "We make a mistake," said Paras, "when we focus on our enemies and forgot to honor our friends." Paras highlighted the common bonds shared by the CBC and the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community--both, she said, "support fairness and equality for all, a theme that runs contrary to the reactionary mood of the country." --more-- NGLTF Honors CBC Page Two "Many leaders would have you believe that there are those deserving of equality and those who are not -- some who are worthy of fairness and other's who are not. But there are no good oppressions and bad oppressions -- no good diseases and bad -- no good equality and bad equality," Paras said. Paras also noted the important role that gays and lesbians of color play in "bridging the gap" and drawing attention to the linkages between many communities. "We 'get it' from both sides," she said. Paras reminded listeners that it is "foolish to think that we can win gay rights in an atmosphere that is deconstructing affirmative action and pushing English-only legislation." CBC chairman, Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ), said the CBC would support what was right regardless of the politics of the day. "We will continue to be the conscience of Congress," said Payne. Accepting the award on behalf of the CBC, Payne urged cooperation in a common struggle. "We all must join hands and battle oppression wherever it rears its ugly head across America." Many members of the CBC took part in the festivities including: Representatives Julian Dixon (D-CA), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), John Lewis (D-GA), Carrie Meek (D-FL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and senior staff to Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD). Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), Rep. Mike Ward (D-KY), Marsha Scott, Deputy Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Deval Patrick, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Stuart Ishimaru, Counsel to Assistant Attorney General Patrick and senior staff to Rep. Gerry Studds (D-MA) were also on hand to pay tribute to the CBC. Note: Color photos of the event are available. Voting records are also available. Please contact Beth Barrett at (202) 332-6483, ext. 3215 . --end--