The Chicago "Be Great" Campaign

Two African American, male SGL (Same Gender Loving) bloggers I have much respect for (Rod McCullom of Rod 2.0 Beta + Black Tsunami over at Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters) have both posted about this program in the last 24 hours and I am now following suit and spreading the LOVE.

A Chicago organization that works with Black LGBT youth has launched a new social marketing campaign that encourages youth to "Be Great." The youth-led campaign is designed to end violence among Black LGBT youth, such as the vicious July stabbing captured on video.

The July 3 incident was the latest in a series of violent fights involving young Black LGBT in Boystown. The stabbings and the presence of Black/Latino street youth in the mostly white area has sparked aracially-fueled debate. More than 600 people attended a community policing meeting to discuss the problems.

Frank Walker, founder and executive director of Youth Pride Center, says "Be Great" was created as a response to community outrage over the attacks. "[The community meeting] was getting away from the actual topic, which was: How do you deal with violence?" Walker toldWindy City Times. "We believe every person should live in a safe neighborhood. We don't believe that it's racist to say that. ... Nobody wanted to hear what the youth had to say, and there's a big difference between what youth are saying and what adults are saying."

The campaign features youth-created posters and video submitted to itsFacebook page. Submissions will be judged. The winning print entry will run in the Windy City Times and be distributed among youth as a palm card.