Black Funk - Nothing Else Compares

Black people are a sexually repressed people, a result of having our bodies abused and used to produce the economic foundation of this land we call America for centuries. Black people are sexually free, because we are uninhibited and love to show our bodies and believe we are beautiful people, inside and out. Black people are not really people. We are a figment of so-called "white" people's imagination. Race is a construct and by and large, we people, mixed with African blood and everything else, have yet to name ourselves in a manner that respects our legacy and our experience. Black men have very large dicks, the size of plantains and squash. Black women are like Venus Hottentots, vaginas as large as an elephants. Black people are almost completely fucked up. We are a race of people caught up in moaning and groaning and making babies. Black people are in need of healing their sexual selves.

Your belief about black people and sexuality here ______________.

With all the hype surrounding black people and how and what they do sexually, it's important--no, vital—for black people to examine their beliefs around their sexual health. In support of this exploration, I want to invite you down a few sentences to discover the first (and as far as I know, the only) center of its kind that specifically addresses the sexual development and healing of people of color, Black Funk, brought to you by a man I know (and love) a brother named Herukhuti (say it with me now, HER-oooo-koo-T).

Remember him? He's the sexologist I interviewed waaaaay back in September. Go check it out. He's got a Master of Education from Lesley University and a Master of Arts in Human and Organization Systems from Fielding Graduate Institute. And he’s extremely hilarious.

Black Funk is a sexual cultural center where people of color can come to share, learn, and play. A place of intersection where people of color of any sexual orientation or gender can come and be at home. One mission, many sexualities. The Center's mission is to provide a space for the exhibition and exploration of sexual fun and pleasure, a gathering place for sexually liberated people of color to express themselves and enjoy erotic events, demonstrations, and sexuality-related classes.

The Center commenced in 2002 with a rousing sex party called The Workshop. I used to work the door, checking people, taking cash, being security and all. It was a fabulous time for all involved. In addition to sex parties, the Center hosted a number of activities including massage classes, sensual yoga, and EFC, better known as Erotic Fight Club.

Erotic Fight Club is a raucous, erotic, high energy, fun meeting of body and mind. But mostly body. The stage is set: candlelight illuminates the oiled up wrestlers in g-strings, thong, bikini briefs, jock-straps, or nothing at all. Bodies of all shapes and sizes. More than a competition, the event is driven by fun and enjoying each other's body. A spectator sport? Surely.before or after you take your turn on the mat.

Sensual yoga classes are conducted in the nude, sensual, intimate, soothing. Great workout. Again bodies are illuminated by candles, complemented by soothing music, in a relaxed private environment.

As for the massage classes, I co-managed this event with a select group of men. We met for a few months in 2002 into early 2003. A group of us met and had tea and then learned massage techniques with the help of a licensed practitioner. This was a welcome treat after a long hard day. Brothers became aware of their bodies as well as their own when being treated to, or when giving a massage. The class was composed of novices and professionals. The atmosphere, like most Black Funk events, was sensual, intimate, fun, and good natured.

Although many of Black Funk's events were geared toward men who have sex with men, Black Funk events for women, transgender folks, str8 folks, and BDSM folks are now being planned.

Now, the good news..

After a hiatus, Black Funk is now about to reopen its Center in a new location. Although folks will get a chance to sample the classes (EFC, massage and yoga) the grand opening is March 20, 2004. Upcoming Events include Erotic Fight Club (for men of color) on February 21st 10pm-2am $5.00. First-timers have to wrestle. Sensual Yoga (Men of Color Class): February 29th $5.00, and massage classes will resume early in March. All events are $5.00 from now until the Grand Re-Opening Celebration.

In addition to the notorious workshops on erotic play, communication for couples, and Afrocentric sensuality/sexuality, Black Funk will be hosting a series of workshops for couples who have decided to make a long term commitment (engagement, marriage, commitment ceremony, etc.)

For more information, please contact Herukhuti, M.Ed, MA at
bibklynblkm@yahoo.com and join the Black Funk Yahoo Group.

It's your sexual health. It belongs to you. You deserve spaces to explore it.

Love it.

Monday, February 09, 2004 @ 10:45 PM