Smoke, Lilies And Jade

     Upcoming Event For SLJ Arts Initiative

The Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative (SLJ), The University of the Arts, The Black LGBT
Archivists Society of Philadelphia, and The Attic Youth Center are combining their resources to present
The Genius Generation Lost To HIV/AIDS, an awareness event on January 13, 2008 from
4pm- 6pm at the Gresham Y, Broad and Pine streets. This event will be open to the public.

Our target population includes; University of the Arts students and other area colleges, youth from the
Attic Youth Center and youth that frequents the “gayborhood”. We will market to these populations
directly with flyers and through email with the assistance of the Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council.

The event will include:
·        Free Refreshments
·        Free Testing for HIV/AIDS
·        Distribution of printed HIV/AIDS information and resources
·        Condom distribution
·        A Special exhibit by The Black Gay Archivists Society
·        Dance performance by SLJ and guest artists from New York and Philadelphia
·        A panel discussion: The Genius Generation Lost to HIV/AIDS

Distinguished panelists invited from the national and local performing arts community include: Donald
Byrd from Seattle, George Faison and Obediah Wright from New York, John Parks from Tampa, Kim
Bears-Bailey, Jeff Haskins, Jaye Allison, Sid Lucas and Charles Anderson from Philadelphia.

This year we are asking our panel to educate our community by sharing a personal story of an artist
they lost to HIV/AIDS. They will be asked to share an insightful or memorable comment about
HIV/AIDS, Art or Life contributed by the loved ones lost.

In January 2007, over 180 persons attended our first Studio Performance and Panel Discussion.
Panelists discussed the Importance of Using the Arts to Make Social Commentary. Each panelist
discussed a personal work inspired by the topic of HIV/AIDS. The Honorable Councilwoman Blondell-
Reynolds Brown welcomed the crowd of Philadelphians and members of the International Federation of
Black Prides.

This year’s event will have an even greater focus on HIV/AIDS, both locally and nationally. If you
have any other questions or concerns, Zane may be reached at: 215-828-6453 or
zb@liliesandjade.org.

     The Smoke, Lilies And Jade Arts Initiative (SLJ) was inspired by several light bulb moments.
First, the realization that there is a void in the world of performing arts, of work that directly educates,
entertains and explores the experiences of the African-American Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and
Transgender (LGBT) community.

     Second, HIV/AIDS is partly responsible for that void. Within the dance community alone, we have
lost an entire generation of innovative choreographers and magnificent dancers, such as; Alvin Ailey
(world renowned choreographer), Ulysses Dove (choreographer, New York City Ballet and Royal
Swedish Ballet) and many memorable dancers, teachers, and choreographers who have honored the
Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco).

     Third, we should do everything we can to remind people that HIV/AIDS is OUT of control. It is only
as a community that we can help stop the spread of this disease.

We can help raise awareness and understanding.

We can help educate.

We can help raise money for organizations who are already in the fight.

With this company Zane Booker provides a platform for himself and other artists to create socially
relevant multimedia dance theater that is sexy and entertaining, witty and thought provoking,
personal and inspiring. SLJ is my opportunity to honor the men of PHILADANCO, and all artists, who
by leaving us before their time, left a huge void in the arts community that we are still recovering from
today.

"These men were my mentors, my peers and my friends." - Z. Booker

The number of HIV infections among African-Americans in Philadelphia and across the nation is
rising. The Ryan White Care Act has allowed us to track the infected and 1,170 cases were reported
between July 2004 and June 2005. In New York City one out of every three African-American Gay
males are infected with HIV. Dance Theater can keep the conversation about responsible sexual
behavior alive in our community.

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Contact: Email: info@phillyartsspotlight.org Phone: 610.497.0838