A good party has a good cause. One of the highlights of the Capital Region’s summer season is the ‘Jazz in July’ event as put on by In Our Own Voices. Taking place on Sunday, July 21 from 5 to 8 PM at the Rivers Casino & Resort, this is always an exhilarating afternoon and evening of fundraising, and a way to recognize the individuals and organizations and businesses who work to create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBT People of Color. This year’s event aims to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
The mission of In Our Own Voices has been “to work for and ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural and economic survival and growth of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People of Color communities.†That’s a tall task, especially in today’s worrisome world, but they’ve managed to accomplish much of it thanks to the guiding force of a dedicated group of individuals.
Tandra Leone gave a powerful speech at a recent Pride Month Celebration presented by the New York State Office of Diversity & Inclusion Management – a testament to those New York State workers who have been steadfastly living our lives openly, bringing our diversity and strengths to the workforce. As the Executive Director of In Our Own Voices, Ms. Leone has been at the forefront of working towards a more inclusive and diverse community, one that values our individually-distinctive talents and backgrounds, and one that finds its greatest goals are only met when we work together, raising each other up.
Giving voice to a community that has been egregiously and systematically silenced and ignored is a noble cause, but it requires a great deal of resilience and persistence. The wounds of our country’s history run deep, and such fissures are not easily mended. As Ms. Leone extolled, if justice is the ultimate goal, we must begin on a much smaller plane – the simple demand for dignity and equality one step at a time. We must stand in solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters. We can only honor equality when we embrace our differences.
In Our Own Voices has consistently fostered the development of a diverse and inclusive community. Check out their website here and then get your tickets to the Jazz in July event. A party is always better when it’s for a good cause.
{Jazz in July will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2019 from 5 to 8 PM. Rivers Casino & Resort is located at 1 Rush Street, Schenectady, NY. Find tickets here.}
Back to Blog
