U.S. Park Officials Try To Block Black Gay Pride Event in New York
By Keith Boykin, in sexuality
Tuesday, August 1 2006, 4:11PM
U.S. Park Service officials are trying to put the brakes on one of the biggest activities for this weekend's black gay pride in New York City. Every year for the past 5 years, thousands of black gay men and lesbians have convened at Jacob Riis Beach for a Sunday afternoon festival as part of the annual Pride In The City weekend. The events have taken place peacefully and without incident every year. But this year, park officials who administer the beach are trying to halt the celebration.
People Of Color In Crisis (POCC), a local AIDS organization that hosts the weekend, has been engaged in a 6-month back-and-forth discussion with park officials to secure a permit for the annual Sunday afternoon beach party. But late this afternoon, POCC received a letter from park officials that they would not be allowed to use the beach after all, according to Gary English, POCC's executive director.
Park Service Sets Overly Restrictive Rules
In a letter to English, Park Superintendent Lisa Eckert cited park service violations stemming from previous events as a justification for halting the current event. The previous violations included failure to limit the event to 1,500 people, failure to remove trash, obstruction of the boardwalk, and failure to shut down the event by 9 p.m., according to Eckert.
In a response letter from POCC, English denied the accusations. "We picked up the trash" and "did not obstruct the boardwalk," POCC said. In fact, the group argues that it "left the beach cleaner than we found it." English called the park service decision "harsh and unreasonable," a part of a pattern of mistreatment, he said, and suggested that "racism and homophobia" might be behind the decision. Last year, for example, beach officials "locked the public restrooms because they felt the Black gay men at the event would do 'hanky panky' in there, so we had to supply portable bathrooms," English said.
"We picked up the trash; we left the beach cleaner than we found it and we did not obstruct the boardwalk." -- Official response letter from POCC
Tokes M. Osubu, executive director of Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD), agreed with English. “I have been to every single Pride in the City event at Riis Beach for the past five years. What I’ve experienced was hundreds and hundreds of Black gay brothers and sisters having a great time and being themselves," he said. " Were some folks loud and outrageous? Of course! But we always prided ourselves in how we respected our hosts (both POCC and the National Park Service) by cleaning-up afterwards and leaving when we were told. If these shortcoming occurred in other years, who was told? Why weren’t deposits withheld?”
For its part, the park service said that it had spent "countless hours in discussions" about the event and ultimately would only allow it to take place on a very limited basis. The rules would allow POCC only to set up a single tent in the baseball field for HIV testing but would not allow any entertainment or music anywhere on the field or on the beach. Furthermore, the park service imposed a restriction that only 200 people could attend the event at the tent or on the ball field. The park service also instructed POCC to eliminate its scheduled performances and the "hot body contest" set to take place that day. The letter ended with a suggestion that POCC hold the event "some time later in the month."
Park Service Response Unacceptable
That's an outrage, and the park service officials need to hear from the public that this is unacceptable. How can you limit a public black gay pride event to 200 people, and why is that even necessary? The Pride In The City beach party has been an enjoyable and peaceful tradition at Riis Beach for years, and park officials should not be allowed to stop the show now. As English points out, "There have been no stabbings, no shootings, and no overdoses." In fact, the letter from the park service itself makes no mention of any police incidents or violations at any point during the history of the event.
So what's this all about? Are the park service officials afraid of having thousands of black people come into this mostly white beach community? Do they care that this event has been going on peacefully for years without any problems? And what would happen if thousands of black gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people simply showed up on their own, which is likely to happen either way?
When POCC first ran into interference on the issue, the group contacted New York City Councilwoman Letitia James and Rep. Anthony Weiner, the U.S. Congressman who represents Brooklyn. James and Weiner intervened on the organization's behalf, but it made little difference to the defiant park service officials who refused to budge. That's too bad.
There's a clear choice here for park officials, and it's time for the officials to reconsider their decision. I have no doubt that thousands of black gays and lesbians will converge on the beach on Sunday, whether or not the park officials like it. We live in a free country and black people don't need a permit just to show up at a beach. But here's the choice. Officials can either help make this a pleasant and organized experience or turn it into a potentially disorderly and chaotic one.
As GMAD's Osubu pointed out, “This event has been heavily promoted for months, and many hundreds of people are going to show up on Sunday." He said "there is simply no way, at this late date, to publicize its cancellation effectively" and he advised the park service "that they stand a much greater chance of the day turning sour if a thousand folks show up for nothing than if they let the festivities proceed.”
He's right. It's better for the city and the parks department to allow this event to take place under the auspices of an established non-profit organization than to have thousands of angry participants show up at the beach on Sunday. The park service can either do it right and everybody's happy, or they can do it the wrong way and nobody's happy. It's their choice.
Call or Email Park Service Officials
Billy Garrett, Gate Park Manager
(718) 338-3605
billy_garrett@nps.gov
Barry Sullivan, Gateway General Superintendent
(718) 354-4665
barry_sullivan@nps.gov
Lisa Eckert
Superintendent, Jamaica Bay Unit
lisa_eckert@nps.gov
(718) 338-3799 phone
(718) 354-4605 fax
http://www.nps.gov/gate/
Public Affairs Office
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
(718) 354-4606
Comments conceal
Liquid Fonts
August 1 2006, 6:37PM
I also heard a similar issue occurred for the organizers of Windy-City-Black Pride in Chicago. Seems the city park officials “suddenly” chose not to grant permits to areas on the lake front beaches that were accessible in the past. The festival went on and was great but I think many people including vendors would have chosen the beach.
Absolutelee
August 1 2006, 9:15PM
This is crazy and I hope that thousands of LGBT's convene on Riis Beach on Sunday and catch their life. I wrote a letter to all three of the park folks and sent a copy of the email to Michael and Gary so they know who has sent letters to the park people in support of them. For me it's all about letting folks know we have a voice and we do have power and they can't pull racist, homophobic moves on us wihout a fight!
Chicago_Angel
August 1 2006, 9:57PM
Well, what can you do between now and sunday?
Doug Cooper-Spencer
August 1 2006, 10:56PM
I sent off my barrage of letters. Everyone else should do so as well as SHOW UP TO RIIS BEACH ON SUNDAY
chris-leo
August 2 2006, 12:48AM
hmm. i thought that out-of-order bathroom situation last year was a little dodgy. it basically left everyone to either pee in the ocean or in the bushes, an indignity to say the least. and since we were out there all day and drinking lots of fluids.....
amazing. i suppose the fight for dignity and repect continues. well, i'll be there on sunday, as i've been looking forward to this since last year.
oh well, see y'all out there.
Donald![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.keithboykin.com/blog2/nav-commenters.gif)
August 2 2006, 6:47AM
Actually, postponing Pride in the City until next year might be a good thing. Or, at the very least, canceling the beach event might give POCC an opportunity to focus on its other three days of events. This whole series of events could benefit from some acute criticism and analysis. For me, the measure of its success is more than merely being hosted at the best venues or attracting the most dollars either from attendees or sponsors.
When we founded the original Black Pride NYC in 1998, the foundation was one of community and empowerment. The very fact that Gary English and POCC helm this extremely important series of events makes me question the intent, the authenticity and the integrity of its mission.
Yes, we must demand equal and fair access to public spaces, but we must also choose our battles wisely. Are we going to fight for this one event to happen on Riis Beach or are we going to fight for a better Black Pride across the board and demand events that serve us all?
And can someone PLEASE take fucking public homophobe Busta Rhymes off of their site?
Stephen Samuels
August 2 2006, 10:32AM
I find it somewhat curious that Gary English's response to accusations of "failure to limit the event to 1,500 people, failure to remove trash, obstruction of the boardwalk, and failure to shut down the event by 9 p.m" was to state that "There have been no stabbings, no shootings, and no overdoses."
Who ever said there was violence or drug use? Sounds to me like Gary is the one here pushing racial buttons, as if a thousand blacks folks getting together without incidents of violence is somehow unique. Address the Park Services' concerns, Gary...did you leave trash? Did you leave on time? Did you go over the occupancy limit?
And is it true that you were denied the permit back in FEBRUARY and then did nothing to reverse the decision until JUNE?
Let's not always assume that it's THE MAN beating us down. Something here doesn't smell right, and the stench is coming from POCC.
Miss Thang
August 2 2006, 12:35PM
It's ashame that the girls in New York deal with this kind of racism.
The girls in mostly black DC & Atlanta always seem to have it together.
Andres Duque
August 2 2006, 12:37PM
A similar thing happened earlier this summer on a smaller scale in the Bronx when some community leaders tried to get a permit for an LGBT picnic. The matter aparently got resolved when City Council Speaker Christine Quinn stepped in.
wordzfromche
August 2 2006, 5:32PM
For clarification sake: I read that POCC's official response to the Park Service's denial letter was to deny the charges and state what he, Gary English believed was true. I didn't read anything about Mr. English waiting for six months to reverse a denial handed down in Feb. In Stephen's Saumuels post it's implied that something other than what Keith has reported on went down and the rest of y'all ain't saying what it is!
My two cents: G'wan down to Riis Beach and have yo' sef a party in celebration of PRIDE. Be careful tho'
Peace,
wordzfromche
J
August 2 2006, 9:44PM
I cannot believe the apologist for this affront! We have gotten so inured to our subservient role. Listen up, hate queens, your social status doesn't change your color. This event as always been the highlight of the summer for me. It has always been a peaceful and beautiful thing. I've always left around about 6 to avoid the traffic. And so what if people don't leave on time, that's no reason to cancel this event at this late date. All that requires is an annoucement of the ending of the event. To make POCC responsible for all to exit the beach at 9p is unreasonable. To announce that over the Public Address system should be the compromise, and enough of one.
It's astonishing how anyone could be against this event. THIS EVENT SAVES LIVES. Up to 1/3 to 1/2 of our population are HIV+, most don't know it. LIVES WILL BE LOST IF THIS EVENT DOESN'T TAKE PLACE. NYC hosts larger events on the narrow streets of Manhattan. Let this event take place... if the feds can't handle it, call in the city.
Laurence
August 3 2006, 1:12AM
For the record as the former Executive Director of Black Pride NYC for 4 years I have worked with the Riis Beach people for many years. Not once did we have a problem. I don't think the race card can be played this time.
The Park Service has strict rules which must be followed to the letter of the law. Now unless things have changed you must have a permit before you can advertise an event. If they promoted the event without the permit you really cannot blame the Parks Department. If however POCC does have a permit then it is time to march in the streets.
As Donald said...you have to choose your battles wisely. I can tell that the people of POCC worked very hard at taking the Pride in the City further than Black Pride NYC could. They have the resources and the staff that Black Pride NYC never did. I am sure they will rise to the occasion and make a Sunday event happen somewhere. I wish them well.
nycandy
August 3 2006, 8:38AM
Follow the requirements of the permit (trash, occupancy, etc) and we won't have to cry "racism" every time we are denied. The beach was trashed.
Miss Thang
August 3 2006, 10:56AM
Laurence, dont hate.
Jack
August 3 2006, 11:34AM
I don't think the race card can be played this time.
I hate hearing the "race card" expression from white folks, but it's almost worse when I hear or see other people of color using the phrase as well. Race and racism are not some sort of trump cards that people of color hold and then play to their advantage when it's convenient. Describing accusations or suspicions of racism as "playing the race card" only serves to belittle and undermine folks' attempts to uproot and expose racism. Even if you don't agree that racism is behind this incident, I don't think it's productive to be dismissive in that way.
BlackAlive![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.keithboykin.com/blog2/nav-commenters.gif)
August 3 2006, 1:16PM
My name is Mark Tyler and I am with BlackAlive Ent.We manage Dance artist,Ira Levi,who is scheduled to perform Sunday. My comment may have no bearing on the POCC situation but I must comment on the lack of profesionalism we encounter with many Black Pride organizations.Ira's biggest singles have been international dance hits so he is booked all over the globe.All too often, when dealing with our own community,we've met with unprofessionalism,rampant nepotism and plenty of "attitude" to go around.There is usually the standard program of R&b Divas (who don't really contribute to the community), drag queens and hot body contests. Maybe a deeper sense of purpose combined with the fun will help a group's image/respcability? Maybe not, but I'm thowing it out there.
Rico
August 5 2006, 9:34AM
I've been going to Riis Beach Beach for the last 20 years and before the annual black pride celebration parties there have been many gatherings. Paridise Garage used to have their annual beach party and never did see anything other than all of us having a good time. I have gone to every pride party and always it's the same thing, everyone having a blast.
Not only have they changed the rules for the beach, you are not allowed to set up or have open fires around the grass ereas that surround the boardwalk.
I say, if we left the place a mess, I know everyone did their part to clean up. The money they collected from parking and the consention stands on that day should fully cover for any time and manwork for the supossed mess we left.
Hopefully, we can continue to make this a peaceful event and enjoy eac others company on sunday....
jorge
August 5 2006, 10:23PM
so many opinions what are the facts it will be a while before we find out what they are. i have attended this event almost every year since it first started and i have always had a wonderful time never an incedent we always came togather for fun and support of each other. as someone stated they heard that POCC was denied the permit back in Feb.well it that was the case why did't POCC use this as an oppertunity to get the community focused on a cause it just seems strange that if this time line of events is true that POCC would renegotiate the permit so close to the event date the way this is playing out it gives us no time to mount a response let alone a course of action. there is so much more going on than we know and it's going to be a few months before we hear the whole story if at all. I have made my plans for this event and i say show up show up show up it's a public beach and i pay my taxes so i am deserve this day and this event
Mark McLaurin
August 7 2006, 4:30PM
Donald (and other) -
I am, quite frankly, surprised at you ! As a member of the Board of People of Color in Crisis and as someone who works in this community what am I to make of statements like
The very fact that Gary English and POCC helm this extremely important series of events makes me question the intent, the authenticity and the integrity of its mission.
What the hell is anyone supposed to make of that ? If you are going to make allegations around integrity or authenticity- do us all the favor of making them forthrightly so they can be discussed openly. How is one to respond to this bowl of snark with a dash of innuendo.
As a member of the negotiating team that sat across from Barry Sullivan and Lisa Eckert- I can attest that PRIOR YEARS WERE NOT AN ISSUE- Both Lisa and Barry acknowledged that trash pick up was not an issue (They always went above and beyond the call of duty in that regard).Why they chose to make this stand and only capitulate when forced is still a mystery.
Mark McLaurin
August 7 2006, 5:06PM
Actually, NYCANDY- that is demonstrably untrue. When we brought Congressman Weiner to the table and he demanded to know what was going on with this reversal of a previously hospitable and welcoming policy- IF THEY HAD HAD AN ARGUMENT TO MAKE AROUND TRASH OR ANYTHING ELSE- THEY WOULD HAVE MADE IT. Instead- we were treated to a lecture from the newly appointed park superintendent (who comes to us from WYOMING)- that they hadnt followed the rules before but they wanted to start now-arbitrarily with us- Of course- that idea was shot down and we continued to negotiate a great event- but lets not form circular firing squads based on inaccurate information ! Thanks to the UNCONFLICTED community who rightly saw this as an outrageous infringement of our rights and responded accordingly. For those with other agendas that posted here- Herez to hoping your healing process continues !
Thanks in Advance !
Erotic/1
August 10 2006, 1:49PM
It is what it is. And any respondents that try to posture like it's not about the politics of race and sexualaity, is sdadly mistaken. And has had to have assimulated into mainstream pop culture, to hide form your reality of being resented for your very being.
The real gauge is if other like envets get this same type of treatment. White gay men don't have to deal with half of the bullshit that blacks in general deal with on the reagular. I bet if we had Big ass big "O" get her scardie cat ass off her self constrained brass closet we wouldn't have this issue. There in lies the POWER of being visible. It affirms us as being POWERFUL!!!!
And not having to put up with this petty shit.