Lavender Light Gospel Choir collection

1997-2003

Founded in 1985, Lavender Light is a mixed chorus (women and men), consisting of members who have auditioned and run as a nonprofit organization. Although the group encompasses many ethnic and spiritual backgrounds, the choir provides a special ministry to Black lesbians and gays, who have historically been pressured by their communities to choose between their Blackness and their gayness. Their repertoire includes gospel (old and new), spirituals, and anthems. They produce two full concerts a year and frequently appear as guests at community functions, from church services to Gay Pride rallies. Past appearances have included Urban Bush Women's "Praise House"; the pilot episode of In the Life; the People of Color Joint Kwanzaa Ceremony; Mayor David N. Dinkins's Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at City Hall; and Empire State Pride Agenda's 1999 annual fundraiser with keynote speakers President Bill Clinton and Senator Chuck Schumer. This collection mostly consists of administrative files such as bylaws, membership information, Board of Directors materials, minutes, and fundraising documents. There is a limited amount of material on concerts and performances. Most of the material dates from 1997-2003.