Description
This is the 34th issue of BLK magazine published October 1991. This is the first issue with a clay coated glossy paper cover. The front cover is printed in color and features an image of Patti LaBelle. LaBelle wears a crème-colored skirt with similar colored tights and a black top. Her outfit is accompanied by a gold-colored belt around her waist, a white long-sleeve coat that is just short of reaching the hem on the skirt, and large, oval shaped, gold-colored earrings. LaBelle stands against a solid white background with her body facing the camera. At the top and centered to the left, [BLK] is printed in bold, white, uppercase letters within a green rectangular box. Below and to the left of the [BLK] text box is the magazine issue information; in small, black text it reads [Vol. 3, No. 9 / Whole No. 34 / $1.95 U.S., $2.95 Canada]. This is the first issue that prints the magazine pricing. At the top and centered to the right are the news sections listed in red text, [NEWS / CARTOONS / WORD UP / JUMP START / BOOKS / MUSIC / MOVIES / READ MY LIPS / CLASSIFIEDS]. In the middle and centered to left is the magazine headline, the first line in green text and the second in red text reading [THE BLK INTERVIEW / Patti LaBelle]. Below, it reads in green text [PLUS THE WORD ON] with a list under in red text reading [Magic Johnson / Donna Summer / Clarence Thomas / Phil Reed]. There are 60 numbered pages, stapled the center fold, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations throughout.
The inside of the cover features an ad for the film [ISSAC JULIEN’S / young soul rebels]. The content opens with the section titled [JUMP START] by Alan Bell. Bell address the reasoning behind BLK becoming a paid publication, printing bi-monthly, introducing a section Talking Personals, and discusses the larger distribution of the magazine. This is followed by [WORD UP] by Leon Miller with five short articles: [TO COLLECT AND BE SERVED] regarding the police officers who watched Rodney King get beaten by their co-workers, [FINAL EXIT FOR GAY MEN] regarding Jim Fouratt and Professor Griff, [FAST FOR CIVIL RIGHTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE], about New Hampshire celebrating Civil Rights Day, [MULTICULTALISM, EXCEPT FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN] about controversial statements said by Dr. Leonard L. Jefferies, Jr., and [SINGLE, GAY AFRICAN AMERICAN FATHERS] about cartoonist Jules Feiffer.
This is followed by three letters to the editor in the section [BLK MAIL] on pages 6 and 7, with the [BLK] masthead on page 7. On the following page is the section [BLK PEOPLE] about broad and general news regarding the Black gay and lesbian community. It is divided by city.
The cover story, which begins on page 10, is titled [La Belle Epoque], with a sub-heading [The BLK Interview]. Conducted and written by D.J. Marius, the article starts with a biography of Patti LaBelle. In the interview portion, LaBelle talks about her career, friendships with Dionne Warwick and Gladys Knight, her family, her involvement in the gay community, and the show "A Different World". There are four quotes printed in larger font, [It’s a disease! And the folks who can, they just have to give it up, and I’m talking about the bucks!], [I got a whole lotta butt to kick.], [Falling in love today is like falling in death.], and [I know Magic well. I guess this is the way that God has… maybe he’s a tool to help wake up every body.]
A feature story begins on page 18, titled [Phil Reed / A good race, but not / good enough] by Eric K. Washington. The article addresses candidate Phil Reed who was running for 8th Council District in New York’s City Council. After listing Reed’s experience, it is stated he did not become a top-two contender, but suspicions resulted a re-run among two other competitors, with Adam Clayton Powell defeating William del Toro (the latter had won the original run). It is accompanied by a photograph of an individual, presumably of Reed.
A second feature story beings on page 20, titled [“It can happen to / anybody. / Even me, / Magic / Johnson] by Mark Haile. With Earvin “Magic” Johnson holds a press conference announcing his HIV status, Haile breaks down what it means for the national perception of HIV and the LGBTQ communities of color who have been living with the epidemic for much longer. The article is accompanied by a photograph of Magic Johnson playing basketball and three quotes: [“Because of the HIV virus I have obtained, I will have to retire from the Lakers today. I do not have the AIDS disease. My wife is fine. She’s negative. I plan on going on living for a long tie and going on with my life.”], [“I want kids to understand that safe sex is the way to go. We think only gay people can get it and that it’s not going to happen to me.”], and [“I’m going to be a spokesman for the HIV virus helping young people to realize they can practice safe sex. You can be naïve. You think it will never happen to you. It has happened. I; deal with it and my life will go on.”].
A third feature story begins on page 27, titled [SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE / CLARENCE THOMAS / ON GAY RIGHTS] by Cornell Makonnen. With the confirmed replacement of Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall awaiting the trial for sexual assault charges filed by Anita Hill, Makonnen questions if Associate Justice Thomas has helped the LGBTQ+ community. The article is accompanied by a photo of Associate Justice Clarence Thomas.
A fourth feature story begins on page 28, titled [SUMMER SUES, SCOFFS AT SCURRILOUS SLAMS] by Rex Wockner and Mark Haile. The article discusses Donna Summer filing a lawsuit against New Yorker Magazine regarding, allegedly, homophobic remarks she made during her 1983 concert tour, citing the negative impact the reporting has had on her life. Magazine writers recall their own articles on the matter and the impact it had on the gay and lesbian community.
On page 31 begins [MUSIC / by D.J. Marius] with six album reviews: [Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers / “Jahmekya” (Virgin)], [Sonny Okosuns / “African Soldiers” (Profile)], [KMD / “Mr. Hood” (Electra)], [Damian Dame / “Damian Dame” (LaFace)], [Jodeci / “Forever My Lady” (MCA)], and [Candy Dulfer / “Saxuality” (Arista)]. This is followed by [MOVIES / by Alan Bell] with three articles: [Hangin’ with the Homeboys / (New Line)], [Young Soul Rebels / (Prestige)], [Livin’ Large / (Samuel Goldwyn)], [Ricochet / (Warner Bros.)], and [Paris is Burning / (Prestige)]. The column [BOOKS / by Alan E. Miller] on page 35, where Miller discusses Becky Birtha’s “Lover’s Choice,” Melvin Dixon’s “Vanishing Rooms,” and “High Risk” by Amy Scholder and Ira Silverberg.
Several shorter articles appear under the section [BLK NEWS]. Beginning on page 37, these articles include: [Lesbian Wins Seattle Seat] about Sherry Harris defeating Sam Smith to become the first openly lesbian African American woman elected into public office, [BWMT/LA Gets Aid for AIDS $], [‘Ball’ Win Spawns 1992 Redux] the Catch One ball “Catch One is Burning,” which raised money for Rue’s House, [Man Sentences in Gay Murder] about the brutal murder of New York gay community activist, Steven Zabel, [Activists Fete Afro Day – Ra’an Medley] lesbian and gay activists marching in the 23rd Annual Afro-American Day Parade, [Black Lesbian: Cop Must Go!] about Gwen Craig speaking out against Capt. Richard Cairns, [Man Convicted in Gay Murder], [Billy Preston Charged], [Black Groups Get Walk $] about the AIDS Walk 1991, [Black Gay Center Opens] regarding the first Black Gay and Lesbian Community Center organized by and for African Americans, [Multiculturalism Meet Hold / – Micki Leventhal] the Campaign to End Homophobia presented Darnell Bonds, Raechele Pope, Robert Vasquez Pacheco, and Richard Friend, [Wilder Speechless on Gay Ban / – Michael Taylor] about Virginian law that prohibits bars from selling alcohol to lesbian or gay men, [Black Gays Dominate Packet / – Eric K. Washington] by authors Bruce Carmel, Becky Birtha, Steven Corbin, Melvin Dixon, and Nicholasa Mohr, [Ryan Meets with Black Reps] Caitlyn Ryan for the Office of AIDS Activities meets with African American community members, [Black Gay AIDS Funded Vetoed] , [Lorde Home After Vacation], [Francis Joins One Board] about Sabrina Francis, [Pridgen Engages ACT-UP] about Brenda Pridgen and Mayor Kurt Schmoke, [KKK Ups Anti-Gay Activity] about local gay bookstore being bombed, [Sex Orientation Added / – Rice Blaque] about crimes committed out of prejudice will include sexual orientation, [5 Inmates Die at State Prison] with Dr. Germán Maisonet, [Black Teens on ‘Donahue’] with mention of Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, Dorian Corey of House of Corey, Pepper of the House of LaBascia, Danny from House of Xtravaganza and Willie from House of Ninja, [Lesbian Tops 8; Later Loses] about Nadine Smith, [NAACP Sides with Cracker] about the Cracker Barrel restaurant chain directing the termination of lesbian and gay employees, [Indigo Boycott Called Off], [No Refunds from Sheriffs] about the West Hollywood station of the Los Angeles Sheriffs, [Black Gay Man Wins Case] about Kevin Dickerson and the Department of Human Services, [Chambers Stars in 3-Part Play] Wayne Preston Chambers presents his play “Triptych,” [Physique Medals Awarded] about the fifth annual Lesbian and Gay Bodybuilding Championship, [Mayor Makes Gay Selection] about Mayor Emanuel Cleaver and Luther Washington, and [Panel Discusses Black Gays / – Tripp Hunter] about the Seattle Commission for Lesbians and Gays, the Black Family Center, and the People of Color Against AIDS Network.
This is followed by [BLK VEIL] on page 48 and lists eighteen obituaries: Frederick Abramson, James Leroy Austin, Benjamin Schubert Baber, David Warren Frechette, Henry Franklin Jackson, Joseph James, Albert Terrelle Jones, Alfonso Julius Jordan, Howard Morris, Luis Roberto Negron, William “Bill” Peeler Jr., Anthony Tomorris Pugh-Davis, Freddy L.. Robinson, Jeffery Scott, John Edward Stockard Jr., Clarence Thomas-Ross Jr., Milton Williams, and Erice ‘Don’ Wilson.
The gossip column titled [Read My Lips] written by Preston G. Guider is on page 47. The issue concludes with the section [BLK MARKET] on page 48 and the new classifieds section [TALKING PERONALS] starting on page 49, with personal ads divided by gender, nation, then U.S. regions.
The back cover is a full-page advertisement [Prevention Is Better Than Cure].
The object came with an insert: a paid-postage flyer titled “Discs, Discs, Discs, Discs! Pick any 8 CDs for a penny. Plus a chance to get one more CD – Free!”. The two-sided flyer lists several CD across several genres.
There are several advertisements throughout, including: [OVERWHELMED?] by the AIDS Project L.A.; [PUT PRIDE IN YOUR LIVE / Recovery / Has Many Faces. / Pride / Institute]; [Be A Buddy To Someone With AIDS] a support program by the AIDS Project Los Angeles; [I Just Want A / Good Time] by the Gay Men’s Health Crisis; album promotion for [BLUE NOTES IN THE BASEMENT / ULTRA NATÉ]; [PERSONAL / ASTROLOGY]; [BLACK / LESBIANS & GAYS / WEAVING / THE FUTURE / The 5th Annual National Black / Gay and Lesbian Conference]; [I Just Want A / Good Time.] by the Northwest AIDS Foundation; [HIV POSITIVE AND HEALTHY? / JOIN THE QUEST…] by HemaCare Corporation; [COMMUNITY / PRESCRIPTION / SERVICE / A Mail-Order Pharmacy & AIDS Information Service]; [Serving the Needs / of the People / VISITING NURSE HOMES SERVICES]; [THE / HOLLYWOOD / SPA / COMPOUND / A MAN’S PRIVATE PRESERVE]; [BROTHER TO BROTHER / edited by Essex Hemphill / conceived by Joseph Beam] ordering slip; [Seasons Greetings / from / Jewel’s Catch-One Disco] promoting five different seasonal events; informational slip for the Assistant Directors Training Program; [TALKING PERSONALS / Connections USA]; [Unity / Fellowship / Church / A Church for All People]; [FREEDOM / make it happen / THE PROVOKER]; [the / BFP TEE]; [THE WORLD’S / LARGEST AND FINEST / EROTIC / DEPARTMENT STORE / The Pleasure Chest Ltd.]; [YOU ARE INVITED! / WHAT’S THE OCCASION? / BLACK MALE TO MALE (“GAY”) RELATIONSHIPS] by Black Men’s Xchange; [ACT-UP/LA needs / your input • your leadership • your anger!]; [THE CENTER / LEGAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT]; [Gay & Lesbian Literature / A DIFFERENT LIGHT]; [USC / Phase II trials of Peptide T / are now recruiting at / LAC/USC Medical Center / Please call BOB HERR…]; [The Law Offices / of / OLLIE P. MANAGO]; [1-900-990-HEAT]; [Black and White / Men Together]; [EXCLUSIVE FROM BROTHERS CARDS]; [BLK TALKING PERSONALS / Fast. Easy. Cheap. / Fast. Easy. Free.]; [NOTICE OF FUNDS AVAILABILITY / (NOFA) AND REQUESTS FOR / PROPOSALS (RFP)] by the City of Los Angel’s Office of the AIDS Coordinator; [MIDTOWNE SPA]; [Black / Handfulls / A Solo Action Film]; [976-WOLF]; and [Men of Color /Phone Personals].
