Over the years, that single festival grew into Black Alphabet NFP, an international movement using arts, media, and wellness to uplift Black LGBTQ+ lives. We realized our stories span many forms – film, literature, performance, dialogue, and beyond. So we expanded our programming to meet those needs, all while keeping our original vision at heart. Today, Black Alphabet is proud to be the world’s oldest and largest Black LGBTQ+ focused arts organization, recognized in 2023 by the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. But our true pride comes from the people we serve every day.

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Our Mission - Black Alphabet’s mission is simple yet profound – to promote social equity awareness and education in all aspects of life for the Black LGBTQ+ community through the creative arts and media. In other words, we give the Black LGBTQ+ community a voice through artistic expression, and in doing so, we help our people lead healthier, whole lives. We are committed to storytelling as a form of healing, empowerment, and change. From a queer Black teen finding confidence at an open mic, to an elder seeing their life reflected in a film – these moments of recognition are what we work for.

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Our Role – At Black Alphabet, you are the hero of the story – the courageous individual seeking representation, belonging, and hope. We’re simply the guide to help you get there. Our team, made up of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and allies from all walks of life, understands the challenges our community faces – because we’ve lived them. We’ve channeled that understanding into a decade of experience creating solutions: safe stages, welcoming screens, listening ears, and open arms. We’ve learned what it takes to capture attention and keep it: a bold idea (a hook point that sparks “Tell me more!”), a clear message, and a compassionate approach.

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How We Make a Difference - We approach our mission through a blend of creativity and strategy

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Create & Celebrate

We host film festivals, art exhibitions, and performances that celebrate Black LGBTQ+ talent. By putting our art front and center, we grab attention and open minds in a way that facts and figures alone never could.

 

Educate & Advocate

Through panel discussions, storytelling workshops, and media campaigns, we start conversations about issues affecting our community – from HIV awareness to Black trans visibility. We present information in relatable, human stories that hook audiences and inspire understanding. 

 

Support & Empower 

We integrate wellness into our programs, offering safe spaces to discuss mental health, identity, and healing. We’ve even partnered with local organizations to connect folks with free or affordable therapy and resources. It’s not just about showcasing stories, but also changing lives behind those stories.

 

By serving as a guide and ally, Black Alphabet gives our community a plan for change:

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Step 1 

Show up as you are.

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Step 2

Share and experience authentic stories.

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Step 3

Grow in pride and strength, knowing you’re not alone.

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We believe that when Black LGBTQ+ individuals feel seen and valued, they can thrive – and that ripple effect makes the world better for everyone.

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The Success - What does success look like for us? It looks like you – confident, connected, and celebrated. It’s the smile on someone’s face as they watch a film character who finally looks like them. It’s the collective cheer in a room full of queer Black folks and friends, all finding family in each other. Our success is measured in the personal victories of those we reach: careers launched, identities embraced, depression overcome, friendships forged. Thanks to these moments, our community is stronger and more visible than ever. And for our supporters and partners, success is knowing they’ve helped make this possible – that through their involvement, they’ve helped write a happier ending for so many lives.

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We also know what’s at stake if we stop now. Without outlets like Black Alphabet, countless voices would remain unheard and countless stories unwritten. That’s why our story is still unfolding, with new chapters in new cities and innovative programs on the horizon. We won’t stop until every Black LGBTQ+ person knows their story matters.

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Join Our Journey - Black Alphabet’s story is one of hope, resilience, and unity – and you are invited to be a part of it. Whether you’re an artist, activist, ally, or someone seeking community, there’s a place for you here. Explore our programs, attend an event, or simply reach out and say hello. Let us be the guide that helps you share your light. Together, we’ll transform invisibility into inspiration and continue building a world where Black LGBTQ+ stories lead the way.