I’m From Driftwood has featured a number of fascinating stories from members of the Black LGBT community to honor Black History Month. One in particular caught our attention: The video featuring 70-year-old Philadelphia resident Tyrone Smith, who recalled the dark days of the 1980s HIV/AIDS epidemic. Mr. Smith remembers the many losses, but adds that the epidemic served as a catalyst to bring together Philadelphia's historic Black LGBT community.
Watch it AFTER THE JUMP ...
Mr. Smith shares a vintage black and white photo and says:
One of the things I want to share with you today is some of the history of black gay men here in Philadelphia. On this calendar there were a group of men who were a part of a movement which was called Unity Incorporated which was the first group to deal with AIDS and HIV for black, gay men in the city of Philadelphia. But as I look at this picture that we took on top of a rooftop, so many of these brothers are not here.
All of these young men made a contribution: Arnold Jackson, Bill Jackson, all of these boys, and Kenneth they all made a great contribution of giving their lives but out of that forged what we have now as the Black Gay men’s leadership counsel. People in the rooms where differences are being made, openly affirming their gayness. Prior to this, this epidemic, that was not happening. So I think that if there’s anything good that’s come about, it’s the fact that we were able to come together, organize and move forward to where we are now in the year 2012.
I’m From Driftwood is a critically-acclaimed oral history project that features submissions from LGBT people across the globe. Several other notable posts by Black LGBTs in recent weeks include Amber Hikes' story of coming out as bisexual to her mother, transgender actress Laverne Cox's emotional story of being bullied and film director Stephen Winter discusses growing up biracial and gay.
Watch Tyrone Smith's video AFTER THE JUMP ...
You May Enjoy ...
Fascinating History of Philly's Black Gay Nightlife
This is very nice. Thank you.
Posted by: A. Ronald | 15 February 2012 at 18:29
I am thrilled to see a black gay man in his 70's. We are often led to believe they don't exist. This is a very nice video! Glad to see it.
Posted by: Kevin Johnson | 15 February 2012 at 21:44
BRAVO....STRONG AND MIGHTY; ELOQUENT AND BEAUTIFUL...STILL STANDING! YEEEEES! And looking great. This is a wonderful way for each of us to REMEMBER that we come from amazing roots!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 16 February 2012 at 08:59
WOW. i took that rooftop photo. it's so trippy seeing it again. THAT was indeed a powerful and beautiful group of men.
Posted by: chris-leo | 16 February 2012 at 10:32
I've admired Tyrone Smith for many years. In the video he says that he hasn't always been an activist. What he HAS always been is a positive force in trying to build a sense of commnunity among Philadelphia's Black LGBT population--especially helping young Gay folks so they won't feel so alone.
Even now when many my age have pretty much withdrawn from an active LGBT social life-- I still see Tyrone downtown with a group of Black Gay men, and he is just as vibrant and brave as he was back in the 1970s when I first saw him.
The next time I see Tyrone on 12th or 13th streets and we exchange our cordial nods of "hello" I'm going to add, "I saw you on Rod McCollum's Blog and you looked fabulous!"
And thanks, Rod, for posting this piece. And, thank you, Chris-leo for taking that photograph of those wonderful folks back in the 90s.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 16 February 2012 at 13:40
"What he HAS always been is a positive force in trying to build a sense of commnunity among Philadelphia's Black LGBT population--especially helping young Gay folks so they won't feel so alone."
This is the essence of what true activism is.
Posted by: liz | 16 February 2012 at 20:06
" 'I saw you on Rod McCollum's Blog and you looked fabulous!'"
Well, thank God I will be saying your name, Rod, rather than trying to spell it. McCULLOM!!!!!!!! (More than half a hundred years old and still I haven't learned the value of proof reading)
Thanks again, for this posting about Tyrone Smith and the link to "I'm From Driftwood". The other testimonies from very brave LGBT folks are wonderful also.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 17 February 2012 at 08:08
Thank you, Rod.
and Tyrone Smith is one good looking 70 year old man
Posted by: Chitown Kev | 17 February 2012 at 10:37
Mr. Smith looks fabulous!
And, thanks for the post.
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 18 February 2012 at 19:45
kudos to this bg griot!
http://aliciabanks.xanga.com/732771389/aids--evidence-evils--evasions/
Posted by: alicia banks | 20 February 2012 at 19:56