In this episode, Donna Hendricks speaks to Beatrice Simpkins, Keldrick Wright, and Gary Paul Wright to discuss their insights into the Black LGBTQ+ community and their hopes for its future. They discuss the struggles and needs of the Black LGBTQ+ community to make their calls for justice heard. They also share personal stories of strength and resilience and impart their wisdom for the next generation.

Beatrice Simpkins

Beatrice Simpkins is the volunteer Executive Director of the Newark LGBTQ Community Center and has worked in the field of nonprofit program development and management for over 20 years. The Center is focused on social justice advocacy, training police on anti-bias practices and engagement with LGBTQ people, and protecting the lives of BIPOC trans folx. Ms. Simpkins has emphasized the importance of changing the dynamics of oppressive social and economic systems that deny people their full freedom to be and live as they choose without fear, violence, or bias. She holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) and is pursuing her Doctorate in Transformative Social Change from Saybrook University. Her pronouns are she/her/hers and she is the proud parent of two daughters and Granny B to her grandchildren.

Gary Paul Wright

Gary Paul Wright is the Executive Director and co-founder of the African American Office of Gay Concerns, a center for HIV testing, prevention, and resources, located in Newark, NJ.  He has been a leader and is an icon in HIV/AIDS advocacy. Mr. Wright is a member of the New Jersey HIV Planning Group (NJHPG) where he served two terms as Chair, and the NJ Governor’s Advisory Council on HIV and Other Blood Borne Pathogens.  He also serves as a member of the Essex County Executive’s LGBTQ Advisory Board and is a Member of the Board of Trustees for Broadway House for Continuing Care.  Mr. Wright lives with his husband, Peter, in South Orange.

Keldrick Wright

Keldrick Wright is the Founder and Executive Director of Wright Independent Life Options (WILO NJ) which helps people with disabilities to learn independent living skills such as social skills, laundry skills, community awareness and safety, cooking skills, personal care, wellness, and other skills needed for one to enjoy life more independently. Mr. Wright has dedicated his life to one of service in helping children and young adults who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. He also served as the Vocational Director for ECLC of NJ’s PRIDE Programs. Mr. Wright has a BA in Human Services/Business Management. He resides in Maplewood with his husband, Eddie, and their five year-old son.