When Sasha Allen, the current publisher of Northend Agent’s Newspaper, called to ask if I would guest edit the paper’s 2020 Pride Edition, my first response was, “But I’m not Black.” How could I take on this important assignment for Connecticut’s oldest and largest African American-owned news outlet? It didn’t feel like a smart decision for the paper, the community (LGBTQ+ or African American), or me.
Sasha’s answer? “Because I trust you.” The answer bowled me over, but I shouldn’t have been. Ever since I met John Allen and his former wife Yolanda, they welcomed me into their family.
I was there for landmark birthday celebrations at the Allen Family home. I’ve gone out to dinner with them. I’ve watched Sasha, Celeste and Endera grow and become remarkable, independent women like their mother. I was invited to Sasha’s wedding and planned Yolanda’s wedding to her current husband. I was one of a small handful of white faces at these occasions, if not the only one.
It did not matter to the Allen Family that I am white or gay. I think Yolanda in particularly loved me more because I’m gay. If you’ve had the good fortune to meet the Allens, you know what I am talking about. They have big hearts and open arms for me, for you, and for anyone lucky enough to meet them.
Accepting that maybe it isn’t completely ridiculous that I was asked to edit this edition, I set about thinking, “What stories do I want to tell?” I shortly realized it didn’t matter. I’m not Black and this is an African American newspaper. The best and only thing I could do was ask people in the LGBTQ community that I admire and trust if they would permit me to put forward their stories
Northend Agent’s has and continues to change and grow. It can’t truly be a community paper until it reflects the concerns and tells the stories of EVERYONE in the community. This Pride edition, I think, is a huge step forward for the paper. I hope you take the time to read and feel the words. Absorb the love, the anger, the rage, the intellect, the humor, and, yes, the pride of each of these remarkable individuals: women, men and gender non-conforming. Queer, lesbian, trans, gay, non-binary, bisexual, or under whatever banner they choose. All Black.
I am happy that Sasha trusted me to edit this Pride edition. I am happier to step aside so that the voices on these pages are heard loudly and proudly. Sometimes being an ally means shutting up, stepping back and listening to wisdom.
Jacques Lamarre is a playwright and a marketing and events specialist for BuzzEngine, LLC.
