Keith Boykin: Farrakhan thaw offers hope
/If black America is able to end the
homophobia in our community, a recent event in Atlanta may mark the
turning point in that conversation. During a press conference
with other panelists, Farrakhan announced that women and gays would be
encouraged to participate in the 10th anniversary observance of the
Million Man March in October. “The makeup will be our people, whoever
we are,” Farrakhan said. “Male, female, gay, straight, light, dark,
rich, poor, ignorant, wise. We are family. We will be coming together
to discuss family business.” This from the same leader who had once
seemed to advocate death to gays. That historic moment marked a
dramatic shift in the Nation of Islam’s long troubled relationship with
the LGBT community. If Farrakhan can grow and evolve, there is hope for
the rest of black America too. [more]
