Remixing New Worlds: A Recap of the 2024 BQEI Soul Food Brunch

Last month, we wrapped up our second annual BQEI Soul Food Brunch, and what a soul-stirring event it was! Set against the vibrant backdrop of Uptown, Chicago, at Wilson Abbey on May 11, this gathering brought together nearly 100 attendees, including community leaders, state representatives, and activists.

The event began with free soul food provided by a local Black LGBTQ+ caterer, Xavier Vance, setting the stage for a feast for the body, mind, and spirit. The brunch featured two dynamic panel discussions that delved deep into the heart of the BQEI (Black Queer Equity Index) and the transformative impact it continues to have on our community.

The first panel, moderated by Lighthouse Foundation’s Board Chair, Karlyn Meyer, showcased the voices of Executive Director, Jamie Frazier; Director of Strategy, Dr. Allen Womble; and Senior Consultant of Research and Evaluation, Dr. Allen Thomas. They engaged in thought-provoking discussions, exploring topics ranging from their involvement with the BQEI to the challenges faced and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

The second panel, moderated by Frazier, featured esteemed community leaders, including state Rep. La Shawn Ford, DMB from The Chicago Reader, and Jin-Soo Huh, Chair of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ LGBTQ+ Advisory Council on LGBTQ+. Their insights on achieving equity for Black LGBTQ+ individuals and addressing racial injustice within nonprofits were illuminating and inspiring.

Ford encapsulated the essence of equity beautifully when he remarked, "We have to make sure we invite people to the conversations, that they have the money and resources they need to get their message out. [We must] ensure that people are included in what’s for them."

Bookending the event, live House music performed by Lighthouse Foundation’s Black LGBTQ+ music collective, Voices of Light, lifted the spirits of everyone in the room. House music, born out of the Black Queer Chicago scene, served as a reminder of Black LGBTQ+ resilience and creativity.

The event culminated in a stirring call to action from Frazier, urging us all to create a new reality if we're dissatisfied with the current one. 

“If we can learn anything from the BQEI and House music,” Frazier said, “it’s that we can create something new even if it is out of the rubble of something that doesn’t work. Here is my question for you: how can you go out today and remix some shit? Maybe there is something in the world bringing you sorrow or creating injustice. How are you prepared to remix that thing, to stitch together various experiences to create a new reality? If you don’t like the world that you’re in right now, make a new one! That is the work of Lighthouse Foundation.” Frazier’s conclusion was a reminder that our organization’s work goes beyond data and reports; it's about actively shaping a better world for ourselves and for future generations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to its success, especially the Healing Illinois initiative and funding, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with the Field Foundation of Illinois. Together, we are rewriting the narrative, remixing realities, and paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. Stay tuned for more transformative initiatives from Lighthouse Foundation!