About Us

 

 

The Maryland Black Family Alliance (MBFA) is an alliance of straight, black allies who are faith leaders, elected officials, social workers, artists, professors, activists, attorneys, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends who all believe injustice for all of Maryland families - including those headed by same-sex households.

 

Working in partnership with black LGBT leadership and advocacy organizations, the MBFA’s seeks to frame the discourse among black Marylanders on civil marriage for same-sex couples, as well as educate and empower allies and potential allies about issues ofimportance to Maryland's black LGBT communities, including HIV/AIDS, combating violence and addressing issues of social justice.

 

This unprecedented groups leads the discourse centering on the concept of fairness for the Black LGBT Marylanders and their families, emphasizing the reality that recognition of same-sex relationships furthers the social and economic welfare of black families generally.

Because we recognize that one cannot discuss fairness and equality without acknowledging the deep history of oppressions, MBFA recognizes itself as a holistic organization that understands the intersection of racial justice and marriage equality. We understand and never diminish the significance of race and its meanings in our society.

 

In our outreach and advocacy, we work within the greater LGBT community to facilitate a deeper understanding of the many

dynamics that inform the opinions and social mores of communities of color, in particular Maryland's black communities.

 

In short, MBFA seeks to organize and grow the voice of allies of the LGBT community in the larger black community. It also provides black legislators a ground beyond mere principle on which to stand in support of same-sex relationship recognition.

 

WE BELIEVE IN FAIRNESS

 

We believe that employment discrimination against LGBT individuals is wrong; that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is devastating to us all, no matter how one may get it; that the military "don't ask, don't tell" policy doesn't work; that hate crimes can never be tolerated against anyone

 

We believe in marriage equality. Love and commitment are the essence of family and that family is the foundation of strong Black communities. Therefore, we seek to ensure that all Black families -- including those headed by LGBT citizens-- have the full protection of the law.

 

We believe that education is power.

 

As African Americans, we know that discrimination is wrong and that it damages us all when we exclude any

group of Americans from the protections that other Americans enjoy.

 

Therefore, with an integrity inspired by our past, we seek fairness, justice and equality for all Maryland families.