By KIMYA AFI AYODELE
Imani Williams has worked a freelance writer for Between The Lines since August 2003 and on Dec. 30, many from the African American SGL community bid this self-proclaimed "strong, out, proud, born revolutionary, African-American SGL woman" farewell.
The grassroots activist with more than 20 years dedicated to the empowerment of women and youth who uses the power of both her voice and the pen as agents of change to fight oppression" has moved to Tucson, Ariz.
Michelle Anderson opened her Ferndale home for a going-away party. Williams and her wife of two years, Jocelyn Bellamy, received many well wishes in the form of words written in a keepsake notebook, gift cards and special presents such as incense and "house" music CDs.
In the early hours of Jan. 2, Williams and Bellamy, along with a tightly packed trailer, hit I-75 on their way to a new home and a new life in sunny Tuscon.
Williams says that while enjoying the much anticipated warm weather, she will also continue to make her Afro-centric jewelry and offer jewelry making classes through her company, Imani's Treasures, as well as hopefully continue teaching college courses.
She says that Jocelyn will continue her work as an actress and a mortgage broker and is anticipating management training courses and then a position with a national car rental company. After enjoying Arizona for about a year, the couple plans to move to California for another adventure.
Imani, whose name means faith in the east African language of Swahili, has greatly enriched and served the African American SGL community through her participation and leadership with S.P.I.C.E., the Ruth Ellis Center, N.O.I.S.E., Black Pride Society and recently, One Voice 4 Justice, as well as countless other presentations, workshops and protests Her infectious smile and energy, combined with her "down home" friendliness and spirit, will definitely be missed by this writer, along with countless others. She has left an indelible mark and faith in the promise that "we will overcome."
Imani says that she will continue to write her monthly Urban Bush Sista column, as well as special guest series, for BTL and welcomes correspondences from home at [email protected].
