Arkansas' Black & Brown LGBTQ Organization

Thirty years ago, the LGBT Community came together after protesting their treatment at a local nightclub. This led to the first Black Gay club in Arkansas, The Grand Alley. A partnership was formed between the Grand Alley and the HIV/AIDS Health Department workers to provide HIV prevention and testing to this community. The epidemic took its toll on the Black Gay Community virtually eliminating a whole generation of young men less than thirty years of age.  Tributes such as the annual Suisse Mocha Picnic was created which later became Black Gay Pride. 

Thirty years later, the Black and Brown  LGBTQ Community still suffers from a lack of resources, social and human capital. Because of these deficiencies and the loss of entire generations, there is a need to rebuild the actual fabric of community through health, social and economic development. The Urban Sanctuary has taken the leadership position to provide this foundation by creating a renaissance of the Black LGBTQ community. 

MISSION  

Mission — To increase the overall well-being of the Black & Brown LGBTQ community. 

Purpose — To provide culturally appropriate activities, services, and support programs for the Black & Brown LGBTQ population in Arkansas that ultimately have a direct impact on our ability to achieve equity and to successfully manage the ways in which we exist in the world.

Plan — To provide leadership, programs, space and continuity which supports the optimum level of equity for Black & Brown LGBTQ people. 

Vision — Equity for the Black & Brown LGBTQ community.

Our amazing intergenerational team of regulars and part-time volunteers are committed to the goal of defining our own existence. We live by  our convictions and are turning them into action. Think you would be a good fit? Call for more information 501-222-8811!

Some are asking why we added Brown to our focus. The answer is oppression. We are stronger together.