Black LGBT
Political Leadership
This week, NBJC proudly spotlights three emerging Black LGBT politicians as they embark upon an intensive three day, LGBT focused Campaign and Candidate training in Chicago.
For the second year in a row, NBJC has partnered with the Victory Fund's, Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute to identify, recruit and train the country's emerging Black LGBT leaders. Today we focus upon entrepreneur, Jay Morrow who has her sights set for public service.
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Born in Hillsborough, North Carolina, Jay Morrow dreamed of going into politics.
As owner of Jamorr Entertainment & Jamorr Web Services, she is mastering the fine art of multitasking with a purpose. |
Jay not only is an entrepreneur she's also a community activist, providing safe spaces for Washington DC's gay and lesbian youth by hosting various community workshops about estate planning and business ownership. Jay and her partner Juana live in the quiet suburban enclave of Upper Marlboro, MD, just outside of the District of Columbia. She is the mother of two and a graduate of North Carolina Central University, a historical Black college in Durham, North Carolina.
What event(s)/person or people have inspired you to you enroll in the Campaign Candidate Training?
Two people actually inspired me to enroll in the Campaign Candidate Training. Mereidth Moise inspired me with the knowledge I would gain for this training. The second person that inspired me is my partner Juana. I believe in activism and advocacy. I believe that the only way to make a difference is to be heard or to help someone else to be heard. Noise can disrupt silence, and when you are the noise in a positive light, positive change will come.
What do you want to with the knowledge gained from the training in Chicago?
I want to hopefully run for an office in MD/DC to help further the LGBT community. If I don't run I would want to be able to help someone else make that difference in the community. I want to understand the complete process and with that knowledge be able to help other people in their possible quest into helping the LGBT community.
What challenges have you faced being Black LGBT in America?
I have faced triple challenges. Being a woman of color, being a lesbian, and not afraid of speaking my mind at the appropriate times. In the LGBT community the black community is often left out of the political process, meaning, setting goals and issues that are of interest to our targeted community. Challenges include segreation within our own community. These challenges can cause a lack of comfort in certain settings and often times a lack of respect.
How have you overcome these challenges?
I believe everyone can come together to party, work, play all in the same sandbox. To overcome that challenge, we must realize that we are all human beings, and realize that the only difference is the outward appearance. There may be cultural differences and if that is so, practice sensitivity in dealing with various cultures.
What advice would you give to others still seeking to be comfortable within their own skin?
Realize that we are all human. We all make mistakes. Realize that if you don't fell comfortable in your own skin, people around you won't be comfortable around you. My mother told me once to smile in a mirror, if no one else smiles at you , at least you know you can smile at yourself. Exhibit positive energy, and it will come back to you.
