KICK - The Agency for LGBT African-Americans
PRESS RELEASE
September 12, 2014
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Your friends at KICK!
(313) 285-9733
KICK - The Agency for LGBT African-Americans

HANK MILLBOURNE, JOHNNY JENKINS, JR, KIMBERLY JONES AND ROBERT CLARK NAMED HONORARY CHAIRS OF THE HOTTER THAN JULY 20TH ANNIVERSARY 

Play N Paint Open Mic 

kicks off celebration on Saturday, September 20

(DETROIT, MI) - Friday, September 12, 2014.  Former presidents of Detroit, Black Gay Pride, Inc. and Black Pride Society are named as Honorary Chairs of the historic 20th Anniversary of Hotter Than July.  Hank Millbourne, Johnny Jenkins, Jr., Kimberly Jones and Robert Clark lead Hotter Than July's multi-day celebrations of activities, Tuesday through Sunday, July 21-26, 2015. 

 

Clark, Jenkins, Jones, and  Millbourne served as presidents from 1996 to 2011.  Jenkins is also recognized as co-founder of Hotter Than July.  

 

"Now more than 10 years later, I am more than proud to have been connected with such a historically significant group with more than 20 years of service to the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender community," exclaims Clark.  "On this 20 year celebration of Hotter Than July, I am excited to see the additional strides of our new generation of leaders making this world more inclusive.

Robert Clark

 

Throughout the year,  the Presidents will discuss experiences in leadership during their tenure at Hotter Than July.  Throughout community forums and social media platforms, they will share the development of the most significant contribution to American LGBT culture.   Lastly, The Presidents will provide an opportunity for many people to comfortably enter and participate in our community and to help eliminate barriers to access.

 

"The theme, Hotter Than July 20th Anniversary, is clear," states Curtis Lipscomb, co-founder and project manager.   "As we approach the historic 20 year mark of uninterrupted celebration of equality and social justice,  The City of Detroit leads with its landmark 1972 ordinance, and 2008 amendment to include gender identity, protecting residents in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and medical care facilities."

 

"As Detroit continues to celebrate the unique equality and diversity of our community, with Hotter Than July, we continue to take our place on the national and global LGBT stage," says LaKeshia Burchett, board secretary of KICK.  "Detroit is a city where people feel free to be who they truly want to be and the longevity of Hotter Than July celebrates that."

 In recognition of Hotter Than July's 20th Anniversary, KICK kicks off the 20/20 Campaign online at www.hotterthanjuly.org.  In addition, every 20th day of the month from now until July 2015, KICK will host events at multiple locations to raise funds and awareness of Hotter Than July.  On Saturday, September 20, KICK hosts Play N Paint Open Mic at Menjo's Complex.  Play N Paint Open Mic is an intimate atmosphere of music, poetry, song, and art. The night will have spaces available for people to display their vulnerable and artistic sides.

 

KICK  will host The Hotter Than July After Action Review on Monday, September 22 at 6:00 pm.  The After Action Review, located at 41 Burroughs St Detroit MI 48202, is the facilitated review or de-brief process for analyzing the experiences of Hotter Than July in 2014.

 

Partner, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available and encouraged for Hotter Than July.  Please call 313-285-9733.  Visit Hotter Than July at  www.hotterthanjuly.org.  Follow Hotter Than July on Twitter @HTJdetroit and like us on Facebook.

 

Founded in 1994, KICK is a Michigan based non-profit whose areas of focus are health, education, employment and social justice.  Through various expos, exhibitions, summits and celebrations, we concentrate attention to our mission: to increase awareness of and support to Detroit's dynamic LGBT culture through education and advocacy with integrity and pride.