Queen Jenifer Lewis heads up the cast along with Dyllón Burnside (“Pose”), Bernard David Jones (“The Mayor” and Thomas Hobson (“Sherman’s Showcase”) in a filmed dramatic reading of George M. Johnson’s bestselling memoir, ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue.’
This special virtual event is being presented by The Black Leadership Aids Crisis Coalition and in-Hale Entertainment and premiering on February 8 AT 5PM PST / 8PM EST.
The three-part virtual event will feature live performances, a virtual art installation curated by African American contemporary art dealer/curator, Rodney LoveJones and music featuring Black artists.
The evening will conclude with a roundtable discussion moderated by Tai Beauchamp with the goal of moving out the fear that creates stigma and replacing it with love.
‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ is the bestselling and award-winning debut book by George Matthew Johnson that explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, “Nanny” (played by Lewis), to his first sexual relationships, this young-adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys.
Both a primer for teens eager to be allies as well as a reassuring testimony for young queer men of color, ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ covers topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. Johnson’s emotionally frank style of writing appeals directly to young adults. The book was selected as one of 2020’s best by Kirkus, Amazon and Goodreads. Johnson identified as he/him when the book was written.
This Virtual Experience Supports Awareness For AHF’s National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (February 7.) It’s important to note that according to the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC), African Americans make up close to 14% of the U.S. population, but close to 50% of new HIV diagnosis.
To take part in this free event, click here.
