Salsa Soul Sisters 50th Anniversary
Community Support for Salsa Soul
Marchers with "Salsa Soul Sisters" banners, 1983. Photograph by Ron Simmons.
Gift of Ron Simmons, © Ron Simmons (for more information visit: here)
“Salsa Soul Sisters: Third World Women Inc., the first organization dedicated to lesbians of color in the country, was founded by Rev. Delores Jackson in 1974 and incorporated in 1976 in New York City. The group consisted primarily of African American lesbians and was inclusive of Latinas, Asian American, and indigenous women, who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or same-gender-loving. The intention of Salsa Soul Sisters was to create a safe space and supportive community, an alternative to the bars. Through weekly meetings, members explored and spoke their truths. Other events included retreats, annual dances, holiday celebrations, and participation in Pride Marches to name a few. The result was the creation of a revolutionary political and creative lesbian of color community.”
Cassandra Grant archives from the Addresses Project
“Drawing on the inspiration and freedom of this radical work, Salsa Soul women expressed themselves in ways that had not been thought possible. Feeling powerfully supported within community, women studied and mastered African drumming and dancing. Poets, visual artists, writers and singers blossomed in this environment. Many were political and educational activists, non-traditional workers, and entrepreneurs. Cassandra Grant remembers, “we were a village taking care of itself.” She continues, “Salsa Soul was a catalyst for an emerging community that addressed the question, how do we live a better life." Under the leadership of Candice Boyce Salsa Soul Sisters changed its name to African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change (AALUSC). The work and movement continues to this day.”
Salsa Soul Sisters Flyer from the Lesbian Herstory Archives
“Flyers announce weekly political meetings, group retreats, and the annual Fall dances. The Salsa Soul Gayzette publishes a monthly calendar of events, as well as poetry, artwork, essays on political positions, and short stories. Photographs remember the ancestors and those who were instrumental in continuing the work of this supportive and loving community.”
- Shawnta Smith (full text visit: here)
Salsa Soul Sisters 50th Anniversary
If you would like to support Salsa Soul for their 50th Anniversary Event in the Fall, use the link below!
“We are raising money to celebrate and honor Salsa Soul Sisters (African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change) 50th Anniversary. All donations will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us and the LGBTQ+ community.”
To support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-salsa-soul-sisters-milestone
BLA LIVE Forum July 5th, 2024
I will be going LIVE this Friday at 7PM EST on the YouTube Channel for the Cancer New Moon!
We will be discussing:
Updates
Future Forward & Preparation
The Digital Memory Project
Wrap Up
Subscribe to the YouTube channel if you haven’t already and be sure to hit that Notify Me button so you know when I go LIVE! Click: here for more information. See y’all soon!