A Fundraising Benefit Party for Pride 2005
Date: Saturday June 4th 2005
Time: 10:00PM - 4:00AM
Location: 2234 3rd Ave between 121st and 122nd street
Entrance: $5.00
For more information visit our website or call (917)656-5383
Uhuru-Wazobia
Who we are
Uhuru-Wazobia is a New York based network for women who love women and men who love men from Continental Africa, however they self identify - lesbian, gay, bisexual trans-gendered or straight. The network was begun in 1996 to respond to our specific needs as we tackle the many complexities of being women who love women and men who love men living outside our countries of origin. Initially called Wazobia, the name of our group was eventually changed to Uhuru- Wazobia to acknowledge the diversity of our members.
The History of Uhuru-Wazobia
Living in New York, we are doubly isolated. We are physically separated from our homelands and our cultures and we are often isolated from our indigenous communities here in New York because of our sexual orientation. Uhuru- Wazobia aims to establish a supportive, safe and empowering space for its participants. We seek to facilitate the means by with LGBT Africans in New York share information and resources to help ease the difficulties we face as immigrants in America. At the same time, we are committed to documenting our lives, unearthing our histories and challenging legal, cultural, religious and traditional impediments to the _expression of our existence. We aim to build a community of equals that enshrines the best traditions of African communalism and family while allowing individual and collective definitions of sexual and cultural identities.
Uhuru-Wazobia Activities
Since 1996, members of Uhuru- Wazobia have hosted socials, picnics and beach outings. In addition, we have participated in conferences and even created a theatrical piece that was performed in several venues in New York City. We also have an associated web page at www.voicesabroad .org. As our network of LGBT Africans in New York has grown, so has our visibility in the greater Lesbian and Gay community. Members of Uhuru- Wazobia have worked with several not-for profit organizations with a focus on LGBT people of color and we seek further collaboration.
Aims for the Future
LGBT Africans have been marching individually in the Lesbian and Gay Parade in New York City and in the Africa Day Parade in Harlem for many years. This year will be a first for Uhuru- Wazobia as we are registered to march as a group under our own banner. It promises to be a "coming out" for the network. With the increase in the number of people who participate in Uhuru- Wazobia, we are trying to establish some direct contact between members and with other people who are interested in the network. We would like to get access to a permanent location for our gatherings and for future meetings. We would also like to set up a voice mail and a mailing address. We hope that these developments will allow us to continue fulfilling our mission of facilitating the means by which we share information and resources with ourselves and with others.