COALITION BUILDING

NBJC continues its efforts to build ongoing working relationships with African American elected and appointed officials, social and economic justice organizations and the religious, media, entertainment sectors. NBJC has worked with and will continue to build relationships with prominent Civil Rights organizations as well as continue to work in coalition with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations (LGBT).  Our work will further address the community attitudes by broadcasting pro-LGBT messages through advertisements and earned media.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

NBJC hosts national roundtable of African American LGBT leadership. The focus of the summits is to share information regarding the advocacy and organizing capacity and needs of African American LBGT communities, and to begin to develop a national network to support efforts to stop anti-gay ballot initiatives. NBJC also has established a national Religious Advisory Committee. The Committee advises NBJC on strategy and policy that furthers our goals in communities of faith. The advisory committee activities include convening a religious leader summits, training and mobilizing local religious leaders, and other strategies focused on advocating LGBT equality and marriage.  

GRASSROOTS MOBILIZATION

NBJC's grassroots mobilization initiative includes online and print educational materials and training for Black LGBT communities across the country. In addition, NBJC focusrd on seven states with narrow areas of dense African American populations, states where African Americans are successfully politically organized, and where there is existing progressive activism with which new efforts can work. States include: California , Maryland, New Jersey, Michigan, Florida and Illinois.

Additionally, we strive to educate our Same-Gender-Loving (SGL) allies about the importance of family and marriage in regards to being an out member of your community. Visibility is the key to gaining equal rights. Just talking about gay marriage and gay families is not enough. We hold town hall meetings, workshops and seminars to educate everyone.

We use real families with real concerns and issues to drive the message home. Without equal laws, families and children are at risk. Your family and your children are at risk. We urge our members to join civic organizations, political organizations, and community associations. As an out, integral member of society, we instantly refute the statement, "I don't know any gay people." We have to let everyone know that we exist everywhere and not just in urban gay ghettos.

Because of the longstanding relationship and the vast influence of the Black church, NBJC will dedicate a full-time staff person to this initiative. NBJC will continue to lead in efforts to develop relationships within the African American community that will ultimately lead to civil rights equality for all.  

PUBLIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

NBJC develops and publishes a series policy statements and policy white Papers on the following issues:

• Health care, including women's health, HIV/AIDS, and health care
• financing;
• Taxes, including Social Security;
• Violence issues, including hate crimes enhancement legislation;
• Federal civil rights protection: Employment Non-Discrimination Act;
• Racial justice, including affirmative action and racial profiling;
• Family law: marriage, parenting and adoption; and
• Faith: religious opposition to marriage equality and LBGT protections.

These statements can be found here

COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING

NBJC has established a micro granting program. Grants from $500-$2,000 will be provided to focus nascent African American LBGT programs. The grants will focus on leadership development and help national organizations and funders identify emerging leaders who deserve future support and promotion.