Two More Weeks
By Keith Boykin
Friday, December 14 2007, 1:25PM
Last month I announced my plans to close down this site. Today I want to take a moment to update you on the status of that transition.
On Friday, December 28, two weeks from today, I will post my last daily commentary on the site. After that, the site will remain open, at least until the end of February 2008, but I will no longer post articles everyday. I will continue to write about the presidential race and other important issues as circumstances warrant. My goal is to post at least one article per week. And I plan to continue publishing guest columns from the regular contributors to the site as they see fit to contribute.
I chose the end of February as a cutoff point so I could continue to comment on the presidential race until the nominees are selected. My assumption is that both parties' nominees will be chosen by that time, but if not, I may extend the life of the site until that happens.
After the presidential primary process, the site will close down for good. I am working with my web team to figure out a way to preserve and archive an Internet record of all the articles, comments and message board postings on the site even after it closes down.
When the site closes, a new site will soon appear under the name keithboykin.com. It will not be an interactive site like this one. It will basically become an information booth for people who want to know more about me.
In the meantime, I will be spending much of 2008 working on developing an entirely new website under a new name. It's too early to talk about that project right now, but I am very excited about the opportunity to build on the lessons from this experience to move into a new direction.
A Rewarding Experience
I started keithboykin.com in the 1990s as a simple informational website. I launched the current version of the site with a blog and a message board almost five years ago, in March 2002. Five years of writing regular commentary on the Internet is a lot. It's been both rewarding and challenging.
Some days it's easy to get up in the morning, read the papers and start writing. Other days it's a stretch to find something fresh and new to talk about. Some days I'm outraged, other days I'm inspired. And it's not unusual to experience both emotions in the same day. But I will say this. The discipline required to produce content on a daily basis has helped me tremendously as a writer, an editor and as a creative being.
I haven't always gotten it right, and many of you have been kind enough to let me know when that happens. It's part of the instantaneous nature of blogging that allows things to fall through the cracks from time to time. But for the past five years, we've had the amazing opportunity to use this forum to talk about issues that often don't get discussed in the mainstream media.
When I first started blogging, there were only a handful of black LGBT people who were doing that. Now there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of black LGBT bloggers with exciting websites and varying viewpoints. I am confident that the community will continue to support those sites as they grow and evolve. But it is time for this particular site to move on to a different place.
When I announced my decision on Thanksgiving, I said that I wanted to focus on reclaiming our power for the remainder of the year. I still believe in that power. Some times I think that many of us have no idea just how much power we really have. But if this website has shown me nothing else, it has shown me that we can make change happen when we work together and believe in ourselves.
A Time Of Change
In a sense, the end of the website is part of a larger transition for me as well. I am 42 years old and I have been fighting in the trenches for the past 25 years. It started with my first political campaign in Clearwater, Florida in 1982 when I volunteered for a liberal Democratic candidate for Congress named George Sheldon. He lost his election, and I went on to work for several other losing candidates, including George McGovern and Walter Mondale in 1984, Julian Bond in 1986, Mike Dukakis in 1988 and a license collector candidate in St. Louis in 1989. Ten years after my first campaign, I finally picked a winner when Bill Clinton won in 1992. Sometimes you have to keep fighting even when you lose because you know your day will come.
Ever since I "came out" in 1991, I've also been involved in the LGBT movement. I ran a national Black LGBT organization from 1995 to 1998 and chaired the board of a new national Black LGBT organization from 2003 to 2006. But last year I realized that my days as an "activist" were over and I quietly resigned from the organization I helped to start.
The reason I left activism is the same reason I'm leaving blogging. It's time for other people to take over, and it's time for me to move on. There are many young skilled bloggers and activists out there who are doing the cutting edge work of the future. They deserve our support and encouragement, but it's hard for them to get it when a few veterans are sucking up all the oxygen in the field. In our community, leaders often tend to stay in their positions for decades until they die or are deposed. I don't want to do that.
I'm not saying that 42 is old. I know plenty of people who don't get started until their 40s or 50s. This discussion is really not as much about age as it is about experience. I've had the opportunity to participate in amazing experiences in my life, and I know there are many more amazing ones to come. But to do that, I also know that I have to be ready to grow and evolve. I will still be involved in the community, but I plan to do so in a different capacity from here on.
Life is a beautiful journey that takes us on detours, around roadblocks, and even down dead end streets. Sometimes our friends, family and loved ones don't understand the paths we take, but it is our journey to experience. We live, we learn, we make mistakes, we celebrate achievements, we grow and we evolve. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't move to the next level in your life. It's your life.
As Alice Walker said, "No person is your friend who demands your silence or denies your right to grow."
Comments conceal
ason
December 14 2007, 2:01PM
o my god , you are an insparation and you helped me to grow as a person . It is because of you that I came out to my mom two years ago now . Your work inspires and challenges us to be better and do better . I have recently started my own blog due mostly to your insparation .I speak for dozens of Black Gay teenagers in the caribbean when i say you changed our lives . Thank you isnt quite enogh but it exhibits my gratitude for you as a legend .
As you take on a new chapter in your life know that you have made a difference in the lives of so many . Every success . Let us endevour to live so that when we die even the undertaker is sorry
'dre
December 14 2007, 3:26PM
Oddly enough, I have come across few black gay bloggers with real insight into being black and gay like this site, and honestly few black gay blogs at all, so, I must really be missing something there, but, with your insight and, your desire for fairness and inclusiveness for the blgt community, this site will be missed.
The future is bright as you are still young, get out and enjoy life and the next stage of it, and, I hope the new site is up and running soon as you have been a wealth of information and, I just like your site!
Jason
December 14 2007, 4:21PM
Keith, I wish you nothing but luck with the future. It has been such an inspiration reading your thoughts on issues, and I know that the new site will be just as informative and interesting as this one. Keep up the good work, and thanks for giving us all hope.
Buddy
December 14 2007, 4:43PM
LIVE YOUR LIFE
Wayne
December 14 2007, 5:19PM
Keith, I really appreciate what you have done and continuing to do in the community. Do all you can while you can and most importantly, always remember to do something good for yourself.
Jasmyne
December 14 2007, 5:58PM
You know I love you and I am so glad that you are in my life and that you are doing what you're doing. Do you Keith. That's all any of us can do. I appreciate all that you have given of yourself and your time. You've been an inspiration, a friend, and a brother.
Jasmyne
MLee
December 14 2007, 6:03PM
Keith, I wish you all the best. Although I will miss your blog, I was hoping there would be a way to keep track of “how are you” and “what are you up to”. Your new web sight at the end of February will satisfy this desire. I was referred to your sight after your 2006 Gay Games closing speech. There may be other black LGBT bloggers, but none compare to Keith Boykin.
Sharif Rashad
December 14 2007, 6:25PM
Good Luck Keith, I wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy and live your life, you deserve it, you contribute so much to the community, we all thank you.
I support your decision to move on a 100%, everyone grows and it comes a time in life when one must move on, now is your time. I know we all will still see you in some way, by book, by movie, by MySpace, by BET JAZZ, etc. We all will always support you. Take care and God bless.
Sharif Rashad
Billy
December 14 2007, 7:14PM
As much as I hate to see you go-you are right to move and allow fresh voices and thoughts room to speak. This shutting down of the site will push me to find those voices and thoughts. I am going to miss hitting up your site and than I trek over to Jasmyne, Frank and Clay Cane. I learned about those sites from visiting yours. Anyway, again-wish you all the best that your heart desires.
LaRufus
December 14 2007, 7:24PM
Maybe you can get a gig on CNN, that would be cool, and, make some pretty good coins! You'll be missed, I have yet to find any other black gay blog that measures up to this one, but, then again, there seem to only be a couple devoted to mainly varying black gay issues, which is why your leaving will leave a huge void for some of us.
Godspeed!
Clay
December 14 2007, 9:32PM
I am so looking forward to the great things you have ahead of you. I am eternally grateful for the ways you have helped me as a writer. THANK YOU.
Chet
December 14 2007, 11:24PM
I can honestly say "I been educated through your web page." You have taught us all a lesson well learned. I personally will miss your daily commentaries. Thank you.
Mman
December 14 2007, 11:52PM
"I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind's problems. And I'm going to talk about it everywhere I go. I know it isn't popular to talk about it in some circles today. I'm not talking about emotional bosh when I talk about love, I'm talking about a strong, demanding love. And I have seen too much hate. I've seen too much hate on the faces of sheriffs in the South...and I say to myself that hate is too great a burden to bear. I have decided to love. If you are seeking the highest good, I think you can find it through love. And the beautiful thing is that we are moving against wrong when we do it..."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - August 16, 1967
Gradually over 5 years I have watched separation and isolation blur your perspective, Keith. What happened to the principles of inclusion and diversity you started with? I hope you find your way back on the path that you are setting out on.
Liquid Fonts
December 15 2007, 1:43AM
Cadence
December 15 2007, 9:31AM
Good luck in all your future endeavors, both professional and personal.
I've always been in awe of the personal sacrifices that you've made to help the Black GLBT community. You didn't have to do a fraction of the things that you've done, but you did them anyway, without worrying about the toll that they would take on you. I for one am grateful for all you've done, and I'm grateful to have had this website as a resource.
Darian
December 15 2007, 11:14AM
Keith, I don't think that I could ever come up with the words to express the massive impact you've had on my life. From the day I came across One More River To Cross as a teenager trying to find my way, to the day I decided to stand firm in my truth and become a voice for my peers who were too afraid to speak out. It was the courage you exemplified that inspired me and led me into my purpose. Thank you.
Karmatic
December 15 2007, 12:02PM
Until now, I felt your reasons for shutting down the site was
for purely selfish reasons..But after sitting down and allowing your passage to enter into the depts of my stubborn brain, I now realize that the only selfish person here is "me"..I wanted the site to remain open not because it was "the right thing for you", but because it was "convenient to me"...(Yes that's selfish indeed)
Your decision has reminded me of why we shouldn't become too comfortable with the daily grind..Change can be exhilarating (especially if YOU are the arbitrator that induces it)..
As always Keith, I wish you the very best in all things Great!
Jared
December 15 2007, 12:18PM
I have to agree with you Karmatic, I too wanted it to stay up and running, mainly as its the only black gay site I feel comfortable reading and posting on, and, it was selfish, as I should have realized that to keep it going is no minor task day in and day out.
But, as with every season of life, things change, and, Mr. Bokin is getting ready for his next journey which I'm sure will be a great one. Ands, I hope a new book will be coming out soon as well.
Now can anyone here recommend a similar site??? There's that selfishness in me coming out again, will have to work on that in 2008!
curious887
December 15 2007, 12:56PM
Keith, you and I are about the same age. I am inspired by you and although I don't know you, I am proud of you. It is not easy being black in this country, and it is certainly not easy being gay. You do it with such class and grace. Your site will be missed greatly. I hope to see you hosting your own show on CNN one day. Anderson Cooper (who I do have a little man crush on) has nothing on you.
elavelle
December 15 2007, 1:10PM
It is very disappointing as a young black sgl man to see this site close but it is what it is. I am sad, hurt, happ
Ostend Street
December 15 2007, 1:27PM
"Sob!!!!"
With love and respect and wishing you every good fortune. 'Have a great Holiday Season. You will be missed.
Leslie
sandile mabaso
December 15 2007, 2:28PM
I am from South Africa.Gay and fabulous. I am sad that you are closing this site.
It meant much to me to find a black gay voice. It meant much and helped with my growth.
All the best to You.
Jeff
December 16 2007, 2:07AM
Keith,
I had the opportunity to speak with you a few years ago when your book came out and I wrote an article rebutting the myths of the "down low." Since that time, I've watched your appearances on TV and bookmarked your blog because I very much enjoyed your political insights.
It is with a sense of regret that I note that you are closing down your blog, but I agree with you that it is far better to leave 'em wanting more than wishing you'd get off the stage.
Wherever the future takes you stay Black, stay proud and stay strong.
cedric
December 16 2007, 2:08AM
thanks man for your hard work an insights!
Chris
December 16 2007, 3:05AM
I'm often in the shadows, lurking away while you post entries, although I've shared a few comments on here before. I met you and spoke to you briefly when you were in South Carolina this spring and it was amazing to hear you speak in person after following you for several years now. I asked you about why gay men (us) refer to our partners as, well, partners, and what you said made sense. I'm taller than you! That made me laugh on the inside. I was freaking out with joy afterwards and my friend Gina kept looking at me weird and laughing since she had no idea why I cared so much, but you've been one of the greatest figures from afar in my life, and this website and your words (and many of the words here posted by others as well) have meant an incredible amount to me. And I always wanted you to know just how much being able to shake hands with one of my "heroes," I guess you could say, has been one of the highlights of my life. Thank you, Keith, for everything you've done. :)
Quentin
December 16 2007, 11:02AM
Well wishes your way, you'll be missed! I'm a 22, African-American, gay male, & writer. You inspire me, do your thing Keith. Just make sure you talk about Janet Jackson's new record in two months. Peace!
Cocoa Rican![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.keithboykin.com/blog2/nav-commenters.gif)
December 16 2007, 1:03PM
All the best!
J. Gregory
December 16 2007, 7:27PM
Laurels and Bay Leaves to you: Keith Boykin!
Continue to be encouraged daily. I think it’s a wise choice to move onward and forward. Your light have been an inspirational beam upon my darken path. Thanks!!
James
December 16 2007, 7:30PM
Through your courage, strength and wisdom, you've allowed others the time needed for us to grow. I'm reminded of the oh so popular Marianne Williamson quote "Our Deepest Fear". Thanks for having the courage to shine your light, Keith. . . it has allowed the light of others to shine. Much luck and grand success as you enter the next chapter of your life. Please know that you'll have many behind you praying for you.
jeff hobbs
December 17 2007, 1:16AM
You need to stop! You aren't going anywhere!!!
funkybrownchick
December 17 2007, 3:41AM
Thanks for the very touching and insipiring farewell. (The last two paragraphs really resonated with me.)
Liquid Fonts
December 17 2007, 10:28AM
It’s a powerful blow to anyone’s soul when you’ve “come out” having had to fight through direct racism, direct homophobia, direct elitism etc then go about seeking to connect your community only to realize as many have that there’s an acute lack of unity that is in part due to CUT THROAT, power hungry disorganized Jaded people who despite the real need, aint exactly concerned or enthused by your desire to help. Their inferiority complexes leaves them Ignorant of the true power of their attitudes, words, actions, if something positive is occurring that benefits the whole community and their names aren’t directly associated with it, some will gleefully push, claw and tear, destroy it, even if it means instigating fights or using a blog or magazine to tear down good people. This is why many aren’t willing to be involved in the black lgbt community; they don’t want to become jaded.
Liquid Fonts
December 17 2007, 11:03AM
http://www.sptimes.com/Floridian/91698/The_way_he_sees_it_.html
Gregg
December 19 2007, 5:17PM
Keith I can remember the first time seeing and listening to you over 10 years ago as a guest on the Bev Smith show on BET with awe, pride and maybe disbelief. I was so proud to hear a smart, educated, articulate openingly Black Gay Man address issues in our community (African-American Gay Community). After reading it I've purchased a few copies of your first book Black and Gay In America and given copies to friends and family. I believe it is necessary read for many. Most recently I purchased the book for my 16 year old nephew who decided to confide in me he was gay. I referred him to your blog. I explained to him that I found it to most insightful, fair and well rounded. Not only did your blog provide information for people of our community but information and issue that covered a broad spectrum of issue that we should be aware of not only as gays but American citizen and global being. Thank you so much Keith and good luck in all you endeavors. I'll selfishly miss your daily thoughts and views.
Lavi Soloway
December 19 2007, 6:07PM
I wrote once or twice way back, Keith, but I'm sure you won't remember me. In the early 90s I started what would be an exhausting, burn-out inducing, but totally rewarding experience as a zealous and idealistic member of the LGBT movement, creating a new organization from nothing to aid LGBT/HIV+ immigrants (now know as Immigration Equality). Through those years (1993-until recently) the trail blazed by you and other activists encouraged me and offered lessons to be learned. I just wanted to say thanks for the enormous effort you put into your blog, as it encouraged me, in my post-activism life to blog my little heart out. I posted about your departure just now on my blog at http://lavisoloway.blogspot.com/2007/12/another-blogger-exits-sphere.html
Best wishes,
Lavi Soloway
NikiiB
December 19 2007, 11:45PM
You've truly been an inspiration to me! I wish you all the best (and I'm looking forward to seeing your new site!)
Eryck
December 20 2007, 5:14PM
I write from the Caribbean Island of Jamaica.
Keith, I sincerely wish you all th every best.
You are one of a kind.
Your impact has been great, your message has been bold and you put voice into many thoughts. You have empowered many, inspired a generation of real, bold and fierce young people.
You never leave out the Caribbean even when many thought we just didnt exist.
Much love brother. More power to you and your family.
All the best. Nuff respect.
Irie.
Leviathan
December 23 2007, 1:01PM
Damn im sorry to hear your stopping.. ugh hope you succeed in whatever you choose to pursue
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