Black LGBT Los Angeles Oral History Project

Join UCLA Library Special Collections as participants in the Black Los Angeles LGBT oral history project speak about their work establishing organizations that address the needs of Black LGBT communities in Los Angeles.

The Black LGBT Los Angeles oral history project was conducted to document Black LGBT history in Los Angeles via oral testimony. Participants Yolanda Whittington and Phill Willson will share their experiences establishing community organizations in support of Black LGBT folks who faced unique experiences in Los Angeles during the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's. Jazzmun Crayton will discuss developing and overseeing programs serving underserved and marginalized communities, and interviewer Byron Johns will discuss his role in the project and possibilities for future projects. The panel will be moderated by Dalena Hunter, librarian/archivist for Los Angeles Communities and Cultures, UCLA Library Special Collections.

Light refreshments will be served.

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Jazzmun Nichcala Crayton is a multifaceted professional, bridging the worlds of entertainment and advocacy. As Associate Director for APAIT, Crayton develops and oversees programs serving underserved and marginalized communities, with a focus on transgender rights. You can currently watch Jazzmun co-starring in Laverne Cox's 'Clean Slate' on Prime Video."

Dr. Byron Johns (DBJ) is a native Philadelphian, is the interviewer for the UCLA Center for the Oral History Research for the Black LGBT Project. His realm of experience spans across a variety of communities in Africa and Europe to New York City schools., Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, to various small businesses, start-up companies, non-profits and performing arts organizations.

Yolanda Whittington is a self-identified Black lesbian, relocated to Los Angeles and cofounded United Lesbians of African Heritage (ULOAH) and Black Lesbians United (BLU), organizations dedicated to empowering Black lesbians. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of county service, she is currently the CEO of SISTAHFRIENDS Women’s Counseling and Eldercare Management. Yolanda has co-authored several publications, including “Improving Depression Care Among Adults with Serious Mental Illness in Under-resourced Areas” for the American Psychiatric Association.

Phill Wilson is an African American HIV/AIDS activist and founder of the Black AIDS Institute, which he led as CEO from 1999 to 2018. Wilson began his career after he and his partner were diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s. Following his partner's death, Wilson dedicated himself to advocacy, focusing on the impact of AIDS in the Black community. He held key roles as co-chair of the LA County HIV Health Commission, as Director of Policy and Planning for AIDS Project Los Angeles, and was appointed to President Obama’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Wilson is acknowledged for his relentless commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. He was also the co-founder of the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum.