By Imani Williams
DETROIT – Most of the programs for Hotter Than July! center on entertainment. However, each year the Genesis Summit offers an educational side to the five-day Detroit Black Pride Celebration.
Participants can choose from workshops covering issues of importance to women, men, transgender and youth. This year's summit keeps in line with the 2006 theme "Eyes Wide Open," offering workshops all day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The 2006 Hotter than July! Genesis Summit offers an array of interactive and informative workshops that has something for everyone.
This year's presenters hail from the Metro Detroit area as well as Ohio. The Genesis Summit offers an excellent educational balance to all the fun and frolic experienced at Pride.
Workshops will be held at the Hilton Gardens Hotel, (HTJ! Host Hotel), located at 351 E. Gratiot Ave, Detroit; Central United Methodist Church, 23 East Adams; and the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.
Workshops are free and open to the public.
Friday, July 28, 2006 10 a.m.-12 noon
Workshop A: "What is a Community Stakeholder?" Presenters: Walter P. Washington – Community Heath Outreach Workers, Inc (CHOW) Capacity Building Assistance Manager & Ron Doe CHOW CBA Specialist.
Workshop B: "Lies on the Prize: Affirmative Action under Fire." Presenters" Vanessa L. Marr and Kimya A. Ayodele, Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center.
Workshop C: Coming Out: "Living with Your Life; Eyes Wide Open." Presenter: Alicia J. Skillman of PFLAG Family Reunion.
Friday, July 28, 2006 2-4 p.m.
Workshop D: Relationship Building: "How to Maintain Your Current Relationship with your partner." Presenters: Antwan Jones and Ryan Wilson, Department of Sociology, Bowling Green University, Bowling Green, Ohio.
Workshop E: "Lift Every Voice: Finding a Space for SGL Activism." Presenter: Vanessa Marr, Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center, Ferndale.
Friday, July 28, 2006 7-9:30 p.m.
Workshop F: Temperament – "It is who you are." Presenter Joel F. Rush/CEO/DVM Dreams and Vision Ministries.
Workshop H: SPICE Sistah's Providing Intelligence Creativity and Empowerment, Women's Institute. All are welcome. Presenter: Rev DaVita McAllister," Transgressing: A Sister's Right and Responsibility Spiritual Conversations"
Workshops I-K: Men to Men Empowerment, Series sponsored by Men Empowered
Workshops I-K will be held a the Central United Methodist Church at 23 East Adams, Detroit, MI 48226
Workshop I: "Soul Decisions- Men Making Self- Enriching Decisions." Presenters: Hal W. Smith, Taft Parsons.
Workshop J: Internet Dating – "Smart, Safe Techniques for Men." Presenters: FO'brothers.com, Black Planet.com Lewis L. Smith, Atty.
Workshop K: "Barbershop Conversations – Men saying shyt that matters to Men." Presenters: Hal W. Smith, Taft Parsons, CHAG.
Saturday July 29, 2006. Cobo Conference Center (1 Washington Blvd. Detroit, MI 48226) 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
"Knowing is Positive": Panel Discussion. Presenters: Community Coalition between House of Infiniti, Mpowerment Detroit, Young Brothers United, Street Hype Promotions, Hot 102.7 FM Radio and the Michigan Aids Fund.
Transgender Workshop. Presenter: Rachel Crandall, Transgender Michigan.
For Additional Information visit: http://www.hotterthanjuly.com.
