Southern Unity Movement

WELCOME

The work of the Southern Unity Movement is to build a more unified Black LGBT community through advocacy, and cultural education that fosters multi-gender, intergenerational participation. The Southern Unity movement will provide leadership training and cultural education resources in collaboration with community partners. This work is necessary to enhance the agency and well being of people who are Black and LGBTQ or otherwise gender/sex

non-conforming in the South.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF

ZANDRA R. CONWAY

To view the Memorial, click on the link below.

https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/zandra-renae-conway/7146

About Us

Our History

Southern Unity Movement was founded to build a more unified Black LGBT community through advocacy, education and recreation. The Southern Unity Movement will provide leadership development, intergenerational advocacy and cultural activities promoting Black LGBTQ history and culture.

Our Activities

The Rustin Lorde Breakfast – SUM will continue to produce the annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast which honors namesake icons, celebrates progressive community, and supports organizers, artists and others actively involved in social change work.

Leadership Development - SUM will organize leadership training activities to enhance the capacity of community organizing and advocacy.

Intergenerational Bridge-Building – SUM will develop activities and spaces shared by individuals across different generations to foster mutual understanding and promote the cross-generational exchange of wisdom.

Elder Investment - SUM will collaborate with LGBT senior advocacy groups to increase support for LGBT elders of color through advocacy, research, and coalition building.

Cultural Work – SUM will provide cultural activities and support for artistic expression to inspire, exchange ideas, highlight issues, and prompt action.

2021 CO-CHAIRS

Ms. Williams-Thomas

Ms. Williams-Thomas currently serves as the Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach for AARP in the Georgia State Office focused on LGBTQ outreach, fraud prevention, and federal lobbying. She is a proud graduate of Spelman College and after graduating began 20 years of non-profit career work with the Atlanta Bar Association. She later became a teacher with Atlanta Public Schools and earned a Master of Public Administration/Non-Profit Management degree from the University of Baltimore while working for DC Public Schools. Ms. Williams-Thomas is the proud parent of a 8 year old son.

Mr. Kyle Lamont

Mr. Kyle Lamont serves as the logistics coordinator for The Vision Community Foundation where he ensures that marginalized communities are served through programs that feed the homeless, provide resources to at risk youth, and health and wellness is promoted through HIV/AIDS testing and other services. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Land Trust advocating for affordable housing in Atlanta’s beltline neighborhoods. Mr. Lamont has served on the Democratic National Convention LGBTQ Advisory Board and as a past President of the Oakland City Community Organization in the historic West End. He is supported by a loving partner as well.