Miami Beach Bruthaz 2006, scheduled July 20-23 on South Beach, promises to bring African-American men together from across the country for engaging seminars, enlightening discussion and informative workshops on issues facing same gender loving and gay-identified Black men. Under the theme "Bridging the Gap Between Same Gender Loving and Gay-Identified Bruthaz," the weekend retreat will include workshops and seminars, open forums and discussion, and networking receptions and socials. Building responsibility and putting a focus on AIDS awareness and men's health are also high on the agenda. Registration is $199 and attendees can register online at www.miamibeachbruthaz.com.
Miami Beach Bruthaz 2006 speakers include:
J.L. King - New York Times best-selling author of On the Down Low and executive producer of the B.E.T. special Down Low Exposed. Featured on Oprah, J.L. King's expertise and controversial opinions on same-gender loving and gay-identified black men have been cited in over 100 national publications including Jet, Newsweek, Time, Sister to Sister Magazine, Ebony, People, The New York Times, and Essence Magazine.
Cleo Manago - As the first openly same gender loving person in history to address an international Black audience at the 2005 Millions More Movement March, Cleo Manago is a popular speaker, writer, activist and community health specialist. Mr. Manago is the CEO of the AmASSI Health & Cultural Centers and head of the Black Mens Xchange (BMX) in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Harlem and South Africa. He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Final Call, Ebony, On Point Health & Fitness Guide, the American Journal of Public Health, national radio, C-SPAN, NPR, PBS, On BET with Tavis Smiley and other national networks.
Christopher Evans - Has been the moderator/facilitator of "The Men's Gathering" in Houston, Texas for three years. The Men's Gathering" is a nonprofit organization founded by Paul Guillory in 1999 that empowers Gay, Bi, DL, SGL and MSM through dialogue and practical instruction in daily life affirming changes. Christopher is also the host of Black ON Black" radio talk show on 90.1 KPFT in Houston, Texas.
Rev. Tommie Watkins, Jr. - is the General Manager of The Watkins Group, LLC. (TWG) and founder of the Ministry of Reconciliation, which is an inclusive and affirming education and worship experience primarily for Black Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning persons, Persons Living With AIDS (PLWAs)and their family members and is conducted in Miami, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas. Rev. Tommie Lee Watkins, Jr. is an ordained Baptist minister and a native of Birmingham, Alabama.
Greg McNeal - As a Los Angeles based photographer and artist, Greg McNeal has spent that past 11 years covering world events as a photo journalist and photographing strong images of black men as an artist. His work explores strong black male images.
Charles Martin - As Executive Director of the South Beach AIDS Project, Charles Martin will educate attendees on the AIDS epidemic, safe sex and the importance of testing. Rapid testing will also be available to attendees throughout the conference.Flex Deon Blake - As an adult model, Flex Deon Blake realized that it was important that he give something back to others. He formed an organization called BrothasNDaSpirit which serves as a support group for same gender loving men.
M Duane Douglas - Author of Staying Power - the Unofficial Guide to Maintaining Positive African American Male Relationships, Marshall Douglas takes an open and honest look at black same gender loving male relationships."I'm excited about participating in Miami Beach Bruthaz 2006 because now more than ever, with so many pressures and challenges facing African-American men, we have to create an ongoing forum that encourages dialogue, promotes new thinking and outlines the social, psychological and physical responsibilities we all face," said New York Times best selling author J.L. King."
Special performance by TruDog - New York City Hottest Homo Rapper Trudog is remixing the close with his signature hip hop satire. Offering alluring grooves with zany hooks Trudog and his back up group the Juilted Bridgez pack bars in downtown New York. The hip hop community looked on in disbelief in 2004 when his debut EP "THE NOTORIOUS HOMO THUG" became an undergroud gay anthem. Booming in gay bars from the West Village in Manhattan to South Beach. Now Trudog is gearing up to release his first full length CD in early 07' called "BOOTY ANI'T GOT NO FACE" featuring porn legend BOBBY BLAKE.
Registration is $199 and includes admission to the workshops and seminars, lunch and dinner Thursday through Saturday, admission to networking socials, an attendee package, including conference workbooks and materials, gifts and giveaways, products from HIM Fine Fragrances, and much more. One of the highlights of the event is a luncheon and forum on Saturday, July 22 form 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including AIDS awareness and testing and other key information on emotional, physical and psychological health."
Miami Beach Bruthaz 2006 is more than timely, and is connected to a Black male renaissance of sorts occurring across the nation," said Cleo Manago. "Black SGL, bisexual and heterosexual youth and adult males are tired of the same old stuff. To reduce our tendency to represent most of the disparity and dysfunction among men of color we need to step out of the paradigms of others and collectively dialogue, problem solve, listen to and heal one another in affirmation of our own image."
Issues to be discussed include:
Black Male Renaissance
On the Down Low
Bridging the Gap Within the Same Gender Loving and Gay Identified Black Men's Community
Black Male Relationships
AIDS Awareness
Issues of Masculinity Black Male Images in Mainstream America
One of the reasons why I'm interested in speaking at Miami Beach Bruthaz 2006 is because it's a black pride event that goes beyond just socializing," said Houston radio talk show host Christopher Evans. "We're going to be talking about tough issues, sharing real experiences and incubating ideas all within a supportive environment."The ideas discussed will be facilitated and developed into an ongoing discourse for African-American men.
The event will be held at the Blue Moon Hotel on Collins Avenue, one of South Beach's upscale boutique hotels just two blocks away from the beach.
Registration, detailed information and sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are all available online at www.miamibeachbruthaz.com."I don't think we've lost as black men, I think we've accepted defeat," said photographer and artist Greg McNeal.
Black Gay Conference headin to South Beach