dr. jillian carter ford
Trailblazer Sister
The Southern Unity Movement (SUM), organizers of the Rustin/Lorde Breakfast, join countless others in acknowledging the passing of Dr. Jillian Carter Ford. She transitioned from this life to one of eternal peace on October 3, 2025. Her departure was both shocking and deeply felt as, in the words of her friend Alexis Gumbs, “she chose her final day with intention.” We pass no judgment on how she left this world, while acknowledging it irrevocably changed our world because she was such an uplifting presence.
Jillian earned her PhD from Emory University in educational studies and was an associate professor of social studies education at Kennesaw State University. She taught educators empowering concepts for themselves and their students, including about the decolonization of the mind, humanity’s interconnectedness, Black history, and feminist/womanist (her)stories, and the power of energy transmutation through breathing, to name a few. Jillian proudly lived every day of her life as a Black queer woman, a testament to her commitment to liberation.
For over fifteen years, SUM was blessed to have Jillian as a dedicated volunteer for the Rustin/Lorde Breakfast. She later became our coordinator of volunteers with the immense job of overseeing anywhere from 20 to 30 volunteers fulfilling numerous tasks throughout the event. Her presence was marked by a warm smile and genuine appreciation for every volunteer and attendee she encountered. She cultivated an environment of welcome and gratitude, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who met her.
Jillian’s life was extraordinary and full of grace. She embodied both intellect and spirituality and embraced people from all walks of life, including children and youth, and even trees. Her life and her legacy will long be remembered, and we will always reserve an honorary seat for her at the Rustin/Lorde Breakfast table. May the ancestors welcome Dr. Jillian Carter Ford with jubilation and open arms.
A Celebration of Life for Jillian will be held on December 20, 2025, at the Emory Conference Center North Deck in the Lullwater Room. The event will be livestreamed. You must RSVP at this link https://www.crowdcast.io/c/jillian.
The live stream will also be posted on the Carmichael Funeral Homes website.
ALVIN MICHAEL LOUIS AGARRAT
Revolutionary Brother
The Southern Unity Movement of Atlanta GA, organizers of the Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast, a long-standing Atlanta-based Black ALGBTQ advocacy organization, is heartbroken to announce the passing of Alvin Michael Louis Agarrat, a visionary filmmaker, mentor, and beloved friend, who departed this world on March 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bishop Lavor Kente Troy Sanders
Servant of God
The Southern Unity Movement of Atlanta GA, organizers of the Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast, a long-standing Atlanta-based Black ALGBTQ advocacy organization, announces with profound sorrow, the earthly transition of our beloved Bishop Troy Sanders on April 19, 2025. He was faithful in his service and work on this earth and is now being received by the great cloud of witnesses.
An actor, writer, spoken word artist, producer, and director
MAURICE JAMAL
The Southern Unity Movement of Atlanta GA, organizers of the Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast, a long-standing Atlanta based Black ALGBTQ advocacy organization, is saddened by the recent loss of Maurice Jamal.
A pioneering trailblazer and multi-hyphenate creative artist, Jamal broke barriers with his art. His portrayal of authentic and diverse Black and Black gay characters, and his approach to Black and Black gay storytelling, humanized the Black and Black gay experience at an important time. Because of him, and many others that followed, he reminded us that we were never meant to be relegated to the shadows.
“I recall meeting Jamal for the first time He was so exciting and excited that his film, Ski Trip was being featured during Black Gay Pride in Atlanta. His energy and positivity was so encouraging. I thanked him for following his dreams. Now he sits with the ancestors. You did good Jamal aka “ Mo”.
R. Darlene Hudson
