LGBT Black History Month Spotlight: The Legends

In collaboration with Philly Black Pride, we celebrate Black History Month with a weekly spotlight on local LGBT African Americans who are moving and shaking things up. Today, seven extraordinary individuals whose history contributes to the blueprint of today’s LGBTQ community in Philadelphia.

Community Advocate, Business Owner

Mother Breakfast is the owner of The Breakfast Club, a nightlife spot for the house/ballroom community in Philadelphia. The Breakfast Club was born in the 1980s, when she worked at a lesbian-owned bar in North Philadelphia. At that time, she would invite people to her house after the bars would close. In 1998, The Breakfast Club began to host large crowds in multiple locations over the city—and you better believe the community follows it where ever it goes. You can find more information about The Breakfast Club here.

HIV/AIDS Activist, Pastor

Reverend Jeffrey Haskins is the founder and pastor of Unity Fellowship of Christ Church Philadelphia. He is also one of the founding members of the Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council in Philadelphia. Check out his moving story of black gay activism here.

Performer

Lisa Lisa is host of a popular weekly drag show at Bob & Barbara’s. A singer, teacher, and performer, Miss Lisa Lisa is a true presence and a staple in our community for providing a platform for up-and-coming performers.

Activist, Leadership Cultivator

Tyrone Smith is the co-founder of UNITY Inc., a historic grassroots organization run by black gay men for black gay men. He is also one of the founding members of the Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council in Philadelphia. Tyrone has a rich history of developing leadership in the LGBTQ community of color; a service he continues to provide through his role with BGMLC.

Business Owner, Community Advocate

You can’t help but love Miss Chey Clark for her welcoming smile and loving heart. Known for her amazing Patti Labelle impersonation and grand birthday celebrations, Chey is a mother of this community and we can always count on her support.

Activists, Lovebirds

Together for 20-plus years, lovebirds Arthur and Steve Martin-Chester are active members of Men of All Color Together, "a multiracial, multicultural organization of gay and bisexual men committed to addressing and combating racial discrimination in the lesbian and gay male community, and to providing a supportive environment for non-oppressive relating among gay men."

HIV/AIDS and Trans Advocate

February 15th was the one-year anniversary of Jaci Adam's passing, but her spirit lives on in the archives of Philadelphia’s rich LGBT history. From her days working for non-profits like AIDS Law Project to her 11 years on the Philadelphia LGBT Police Liaison Committee, her service to the community was unparalleled. Click here to relive the moment when she received the first OutProud Transgender Award at OutFest in 2013. The award is now dedicated in her memory.

This year’s Philly Black Pride takes place April 22-26. More information on the itinerary of events here.