Alpha Centauri: Film Screening and Discussion Features Black Freethinker Protagonist
By Brianna Simone Parnell
This year’s Women’s Leadership Project (WLP)-sponsored Black LGBTQIA+ Institute was truly one to remember. Not only because it was made possible by the generous grant of $1,000 given to us by the American Humanist Association, but because the group was one of our most engaged and ambitious groups of students yet. We had the honor of hosting WLP and GSA Network high school students from Hamilton High School, Mann UCLA, and King Drew Medical Magnet High School. Taking place at the UCLA Charles Young Research Library, it was a fitting location outside of where we have traditionally held institutes at the Stoneview Nature Center in Culver City. Because the location was a college campus, the event provided students with a 2-in-1 field trip. Students had the opportunity to visit a possible choice for higher education while also gaining enriching experience from the Institute and all it had to offer.
During the Institute, students were facilitated by WLP Alum, Ashantee Polk and Brianna Simone, who led them through intros, ground rules, queer-empowering affirmations and icebreakers. To keep students engaged, breakfast and lunch were provided and there were a series of presentations from WLP and GSA Network students, videos, a panel with queer educators and mentors, and break out sessions with Black queer creatives. During our first presentation by Brave Trails, students were very interested in what youth counselor Tay Mumin had to say. She also brought up the Co-President from Hamilton High’s WLP cohort, Jasmine Hutchinson Kelley, to talk about their experiences with the camp. At the end of the presentation and video there was a lot of positive feedback and questions about how students could participate in the camp.
Making connections, and motivating the youth, are some of the reasons why we put on this Institute every year going on six years. A key part of motivating Black queer youth and youth of color are to show them real life people who exemplify how queer people are thriving in their professional fields. This year, we heard from educators Dr. David Green (Cal State L.A.), Peta Lindsay (UCLA), and Dalena Sanderson-Hunter (UCLA) and multi-talented artists Donnie Hue, and Danni Cassette. These panelists opened up about navigating the world as queer professionals, amplifying their challenges and personal stories. Everyone left very inspired from the conversation between the panelists.
Later in the afternoon, students got to choose between two breakout sessions. The first session with Jet Finley was to help students get out of their comfort zone and into their bodies during a vogueing session. So much positive feedback came from the session with Jet. Not only was it fun, but it was also exciting! The second breakout session consisted of T-shirt making with Bri. This session allowed students to create a piece of wearable art that is significant to their interests or to the institute. Students showed their creativity and originality you can imagine and they had a good time.
In the words of Blessing Omoruyi from King Drew High School, “The event combined practical skills sessions with cultural expression and supportive dialogue, which allowed the voices and experiences of Black LGBTQIA+ youth to be centered. Youth facilitators and mentors hosted sessions on allyship, leadership skills, and building supportive chosen-family networks. I have been at this event for three years, and each time I feel like I’m opening my brain to an entirely new perspective. This event gave me the confidence and courage to motivate others”.
We want to thank Dalena Hunter, archivist at the Young library, for providing us with the venue and helping coordinate the event. We also want to thank the American Humanist Association, and other donors, as well as teacher advisers Ms. Venkatesh from Mann UCLA, Mr. Balacanao from King-Drew and Ms. Johnson from Hamilton HS for helping us continue to uplift gender expansive youth of color in South LA. Our goal is to continue to create these spaces and opportunities in the future.
*All photos by Sikivu Hutchinson
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