NABJ loses friend, mentor and advocate Thomas Morgan III

Former New York Times reporter and editor was NABJ’s first openly gay president.

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 24, 2007 -The National Association of Black Journalists mourns the passing of its eighth national president Thomas Morgan III.

Morgan, who served as NABJ’s leader from 1989 until 1991, died Monday in Southampton, Mass. while visiting family for the holidays. He was 56.

Friends say that Morgan, a Brooklyn resident, suffered a heart attack on Sunday night. Morgan was a 20-year newspaperman, mostly with The New York Times, before he retired in 1994, largely to concentrate on his personal fight against AIDS.

"Tom was a man of passion and compassion. He had the ability to walk into a room divided and help those who held opposing viewpoints find common ground,” said NABJ President Barbara Ciara. “His loss is not only a personal one for me, but a great loss for NABJ. As recent as last week he was making his voice heard as we debated the recent FCC ruling affecting minority media ownership. I will miss his counsel, his dedication to NABJ, and most of all his friendship." Morgan won NABJ's presidency in 1989 in New York City, after serving six years as national treasurer. With his election, Morgan became NABJ’s first openly gay president. According to a profile written by Katti Gray for NABJ’s “Committed to the Cause,” there were several members of the organization who wondered aloud whether a gay president “would be a pox on the public face of what is the nation's largest organization of journalists of color.”

"It was painful," said Morgan, at the time. "I struggled with how to represent NABJ without embarrassing the organization but while also being true to myself. I was elected as a black journalist, not a gay one."

"Tom has always been a sacred giant. An intellectual whose life was a shining example to so many who cared about doing good journalism, about the community and living a life filled with integrity,” said Frankie Edozien. “While I’ll forever have the unconditional friendship he offered over the years, I'm saddened for the throngs of journalists who never got to know the man and bask - like I did in - in his sage advice, warm smiles and hearty laughter. His example of living and thriving will not be in vain."

After Morgan retired, he devoted much of his free time as an outspoken HIV/AIDS awareness advocate, serving on several boards.

“He was actually becoming a great influence on people living with HIV/AIDS,” said former NABJ President Sidmel Estes-Sumpter. “He won the battle for so many years. He was still living a wonderful life and proving that people can live with the disease and have an active life. I teased him that we would grow old together talking about the good old days of NABJ.”

As a long-time reporter for the New York Times and a 1989 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, Morgan had represented NABJ well, long before he was elected president. According to Gray’s profile, when he became the organization’s treasurer, the financial records were literally in shoeboxes and the membership roster was a collection of index cards. He hired a black-owned accounting firm to conduct the first of what would become annual audits and the next treasurer was handed a $1 million stock portfolio.

“We couldn’t have had a better treasurer,” said Estes-Sumpter, who was a regional director on the board during that time. “It was a position that nobody wanted. He always kept our record straight, because he was fastidious about the details.”

As president, Morgan set up NABJ’s national office, expanded the organization’s mentorship and training programs for students and established relationships with outside organizations like the Poynter Institute. The Morgan administration also created NABJ's Hall of Fame and the Ethel Payne Fellowship for black journalists to travel to Africa for several weeks of research. Those projects continue today.

Estes-Sumpter said Morgan’s tenure also opened the doors for women to ascend to the NABJ presidency. Estes-Sumpter immediately followed Morgan as president, becoming the first of five women to hold the position since 1991.

When he left office, Morgan remained active in NABJ. In 2005, Morgan served as an advisor and guiding force for a group of NABJ journalists who went on to create NABJ’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Task Force.

“We were blessed to know Tom, and when we talk about standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, we mean Tom,” said Marcus Mabry, first chairman of the LGBT Task Force. “In a very real literal way, we are here thanks to him. When Frankie Edozien and I addressed the NABJ Board petitioning for the approval of this Task Force, it was Tom's intercession that I think turned the tide for many of the people sitting in that room in the middle of a January blizzard. I have been thankful for Tom every day, so in a sense little has changed.”

Morgan was inducted into the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association's Hall of Fame in September 2005. Several years ago, The New York Times created the Thomas Morgan Internships in Graphics, Design and Photography, a program to honor talented college journalists. The Times at one time sponsored an NABJ Scholarship in Morgan’s name.

“I remember when the board approved the LGBT Task Force,” said NABJ Vice President of Print Ernie Suggs. “It was a cold, miserable and snowy day in New York City, but he showed up and delivered a passionate plea about why this task force would be important to NABJ and its members. At the time, I didn’t know Tom that well, but I immediately was taken by his dedication and commitment.”

"I trace some of the high points in my career at The Times back to the time in the early 80's when I was a Metro reporter,” said New York Times senior editor Sheila Rule, “and Tom, then an assignment editor, stopped by my desk and asked me to write an Easter story. But "not just any story," he said. He didn't want the typical, traditional, tried-and-true story. He wanted me to find a black family and follow that family around for the day, as a way of capturing Easter's important place in the heart of Black America. And so I did.

After the story appeared, the executive editor stopped by my desk to tell me that it had deeply moved him. The next thing I knew, I was assigned to do a series on the struggles and aspirations of a black family in Brooklyn, which later won an award from Columbia University's School of Journalism. And then I was sent on temporary assignment to the Caribbean. And then I was made a foreign correspondent and sent to Nairobi. I trace all of those accomplishments back to the day when Tom stopped by my desk and asked me to write an Easter story, "but not just any story." I owe Tom a lot, and I'm grateful that I had the chance to say thank you.”

Funeral arrangements are pending. Morgan is survived by his long-time partner Tom Ciano.

homecoming 2k7 on the hill

about three weeks ago i attended my first homecoming @ my alma matter prairie view a&m university as an alumnus. i was originally going to set up a vendor table for my company, but after a lot of thinking i decided to just really go down and enjoy myself, see some people i have not seen since undergrad, and just really enjoy the time i had on the hill. homecoming is always a great experience you get to share stories with the old heads, eat great food, and really see what the black college experience was about. as i take my life to new chapters it always great to know where to came from, in order to keep the appropriate focus on where you are going.......

a nu era in the life of tog....

for the past six years i thought i lived just for me. i thought i ran my own life, and id what i wanted to do. that analogy was only semi true. over the past couple of weeks i have been doing a lot of thinking about myself, what makes me happy, and what i want my life to be. you see i was once a young sgl black man with only goals of having the life that most educated sgl men have, i wanted the nice loft in nyc, or the house in the suburbs that would have the empty bedrooms. when you come from where i come from, being gay also means that to cover up for what most feel is not normal you have to be successful, you have to have the nice material things, and the huge banks accounts. 2007 have been one of the best years of my life, because for the first time i was able to sit down and explore tog for tog. i was able to make decisions about my life, what i wanted from it, and how i wanted to live it. i used to think it was not meant for gays to be married, and have children, this lifestyle does not openly promote longevity in our relationships, and now that i look back have that mentality is what destroyed most of my past relationships. when you change your way of thinking, and ask god to guide you in your thoughts and decisions he will do just that, and if you show him you are worthy then he will make sure you have the correct understanding in your life. since this has happened he has began the process of putting the appropriate people in my life to make my dreams a reality, and make sure i have that life that i am proving to him i want.

what do i want now?

i now want a family. when you grow up and you feel like your childhood has been altar ed or something has went terribly wrong you often want your chance to give your children the world, or you just avoid children altogether. i want a family, a husband to love and grow old with. i want children who we can give undying love, guidance, and a great home life to. i want to be successful in my business ventures, and show the world that sgl black men are capable of having normal households, and successful lasting lifelong relationships. i want to play golf with my son, teach my daughter how to cook. i want the Christmas pictures, the birthday parties, romantic getaways, and a house of love. do i think i can magically get all of this without determination can hard work? HELL NO!!! but i am willing to put in the work required .

another chapter of closure....

you never leave a good book unread, you never leave good dessert uneaten, you never leave the house with out taking a shower or brushing your teeth, and a new rule to add to my list you never let love go without closure. after six years in the life as we call it, and many attempts at successful relationships their was one that just got me. earlier this year after taking a break from dating after a horrible experience with a crazy bastard, i decided to jump back into the dating arena. 2007 brought a lot of changes, and by february of this year i was completely comfortable with dating again. one major difference was I was in my hometown, and lets just say the selection was horrible. i found someone and decided that he must have been Heaven sent, and I was going to do right by this man, he was older and established. to make a long story short it didn't work, and i was so hurt and disappointed because i changed so much, and did so much for the good, and i felt like he didn't care. we went our separate ways, and it was not until tonight i told him how i felt and how things had happened, and how much he hurt me, and for the first time i felt like he cared....normally apologies don't mean shit, but his did, because i felt like i opened up to him to let him know the shit was real f**ked up, and their was no way to sugarcoat it, and i didn't try to. you see i feel like it's terrible to make someone else suffer for something that a previous cats did, so address it and move on.........

sometimes we seek too much....

a lot of people look @ me and think because of my attitude and persona i am not a relationship oriented person. i usually stay away from the relationship thing when i am not in one, but this week so much has happened that decided to do a little post on relationship according to tog. i have been a openly sgl man for 6 years now, and of that time about 5 years i have been in some type of serious relationship. When i was new to the game having a boyfriend was simply "cute" i had on for the sake of having one after my first and longest relationship was over. had the person to call a lover yet i was still talking to other dudes, and not taking anything seriously. i have always been content with being alone, but the image of having a fine dude by your side is one of my weaknesses. then their was another relationship, we seemed to have it all, the nice crib, the cars to match, and i even was able to make him over from a over weight sales rack from ross dress for less wearing, to a galleria shopping urban attractive dude. it didn't work, simply because HE DIDN'T WORK, no income, and major bills bring major problems. if i have to miss a trip to the galleria or a vacation because of two car notes, and rent i get a bit temperamental. when it come to relationships i look at what many look at in a mate, size matters to most, but to me size matters not in the pants, but in how you treat me. size matter when i look into your eyes, and you look into mine. in this life sex defines relationships and that is so wrong. it's not ALL about between the sheet, but it's about how you fuck my mind with your words, and how you as my mate make me feel. it means getting that text from you to tell me how much you are thinking about me, missing me, and wanting to be with me. it's about sharing a vision for growth, and love among other things...i often wonder sometimes do we week too much, or not enough??

i love my DELTA!!!!!

the most exciting news for me in a while....I'M FINALLY A DELTA!!!! so what's the big deal you might ask?!?! well it started back in 2002, when i saw a group of men in houston, texas. attending a fine institution of higher education such as prairie view a&m university, greek life is embedded into your way of life, and it's a culture of it's own. as a freshmen in college i explored many organizations, and one particular organization stood out. as i started attending events i could see that the members were not at all for having a openly gay member. i was thinking damn i can bring so much to an organization, but i will never have a chance because they are going to judge me solely on my sexual orientation. i quickly started to look into organizations and one stood out, it was the first established. it was an organization started by one man with one vision, to give gay men a color a chance to be a part of a brotherhood, loyalty, and be able to remain true to themselves. i found this particular organization had a chapter in houston, however i didn't know any of the members personally. i know that one day i would be a part of this organization. i prayed, and knew my day would come. after years of waiting, i rushed, was interviewed, and i found out i was accepted for membership. i never knew what to expect, but the education process would teach me so much about myself and others. i went on line august 20, 2007. for six weeks, i was introduced to so many situations, and personalities that i never in a million year thought i was be around and exposed to. i was forced to open up to people, and let my weaknesses that i have tried so hard to hide show. i was forced to humble myself, and be broken down in ways i never saw possible in order to be built up as a man of even more class, style, and elegance. on october 6th at 11:41am my dreams became a reality as myself and my seven other line brothers became members of the Infamous Iota Chapter of Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc. it's still sinking in that i have new brothers, that love and respect me for me. So what does this mean now? it means i am ready to accept the challenge and do what i have to do for my beloved Delta. it mean honoring the purpose of my organization, and taking it to new levels through my passion, and God-given gifts of creativity, and style. it means going out and seeking the best possible men to become a part of this glorious wonderful organization..... just know it's all about that red and old gold baby......

2007 hrc hbcu summit....

last month i had the privilege again to attend the hrc hbcu summit "the power of your voice" in washington d.c.. as always it was a eye opening, unique experience. now the hrc is one of those organizations that is often criticized in the black gay community for being so "white washed". for the past two years the hrc has played a pi vital role in my life as a young gay man living in america. when i was lost and confused on so many things, hrc came into my life, and taught me the importance of equality and human rights. with the hbcu program, you meet so many people ,and get so many ideas. it's so amazing that you can meet people and in a matter of a few hours you feel like you have known them your entire life. you exchange life stories, experiences, you laugh at each other, with each other, you cry, and have fun. the program provides guidance in so many areas of life for young african american students and advisers in the hbcu community. this year the summit was a bit different, their were less people, yet the experience was so powerful. i was reunited with people from past conferences, not just associates, but life long friends. issues that i was once ashamed to admit, i not face them, and communicate them to others. i had the pleasure of meeting so many people in our community that is making a difference each and every day. i was able to sit down and brainstorm ideas with people from across the country as well as come up with creative solutions to address problems and issues. i was able to go p on capitol hill meet a friend from undergrad who is doing her thing, and for her to tell me "terrance, you have changed so much, and you look so happy" was something i needed to hear. for me to meet so many influential people, and almost break down when i had to say good bye was an experience i could never express...

i'm back!!!!!!

i am so loved.... my last entry on my blog was almost two months ago, and let me first apologise for not letting you know i was going to be on a little break, but s you will see and read, i have been so busy that even i didn't know what was going on! Let's see my last entry came while i was in Los Angeles, CA, helping my boy sadiki get settled in to like in kali. california was great, i never thought i could fall in love with l.a., i mean the earthquakes, and it just always seemed like a different world. well thanks to sadiki not having an apartment, we had to explore the city beyond the typical tourist spots. we had to venture into neighborhoods, and get accustomed to the california way of life in a matter of hours. once we got over the initial shock of the apartments not coming with stoves and fridges, then we were fine. after finding his apartment we were able to enjoy l.a., we ate out, shopped, went to the beach, and really enjoyed ourselves. i was so proud of my little buddie when i left l.a., after a short trip due to a family death, i returned to houston where my life would forever be changed........

queer road trip & vackate summer 07....first dayz...

hey guys i know i have been gone for a little while but i have been busy with work, getting ready for school, and finally i am on vacation in los angeles. my friend sadiki is moving out here to attend usc for his masters, and i rode with him to help him pick out an apartment, get away from TEXAS, and of course do some much needed shopping...i am going to be one broke bitch when i get back home to texas...we left my hometown last friday night and arrived in houston, where we shopped, and really enjoyed the city. sunday we drove to san antonio, where we did a little more shopping, and stayed with sadiki's aunt and uncle, who were just soooo great. monday we took the long journey from san antonio to pheonix, az, where we crashed @ sadiki's friend stephanies'apartment in downtown phoenix. we got much needed rest, and prepared for the rest of our trip. while in phoenix we went shopping and to dinner in scottsdale, az which is beautiful, but a bit over rated. however i got even more shopping in..lol..tuesday night we made the drive to LA which was fun. one of the best things about this trip is, it has allowed me much needed time to rest, and do a lo of thinking. i feel like i have helped sadiki a great deal, and i would do that for anyone. i try to fill my life with people that are positive influences on myself, and doing positive things in life. so if taking a week to travel with him can be a help to what is is doing, i am glad to be here helping as much as i can. once arriving in la we hit the sack, and spent the entire day wedensday looking for apartments, which he found an apartment that i would give up my new condo back home to move to la and be a graphic designer...lol..last night we had dinner with a fabulous up and coming author, and radio host trent jackson, check him out and get his books. we shopped @ the beverly center, where i found my h&m....and had a wonderful time...i will keep you guys posted as my trip goes on...

tog one of a few good men???

so about a month ago i entered a contest for clique magazine's top 20 sexiest bachelors in america, and i honesty never though i was going to make it to the finals. i got an e-mail blast today telling me to go to the site to vote, and since i had not been notified i figured i was not chose, when i clicked and saw myself, i almost pissed on myself! i was like damn people actually think i am attractive, and have something to give...lol..i would love to be featured so hit up the link, and vote for me TERRANCE GILBERT 22, HOUSTON, TEXAS... and while you are there check out the site and support clique by getting a damn subscription....and you already know if i am feature it's gonna be party time.........

The Official Site For Clique Magazine http://www.clikmagazine.com/

Click here to vote for me http://www.clikmagazine.com/bachelors.html

working wit somethin...

this week is off to a pretty good start. i am preparing to move into my new condo this weekend, and i must say I HATE MOVING! when you are like myself with over 1,500 articles of clothing, a 14 year old collection of magazines which all have their own place, over 35 yearbooks, then moving can be a bit of a task. i feel like this is something i need. over the past three week i have thought and though about this whole situation, as far as attending tamu, and just what another year in bcs will be like. i feel truly blessed to be in a familiar place, with a dynamic university in my backyard, and i am excited to be going into a new experience with my best friend who is like a brother...i have decided that i will be here in bcs for another year, by jan.08 i plan to know which part of metro houston, i plan to reside in, and start the home building process for a summer 2008 completion. for those of you that are close to me you know how much a of hassle that is going to be for me..the next year will be fun, and i am looking forward to all that will come. i will have new experiences, and i am so thrilled to be starting this new chapter in my life......

bridging the gap from boyhood to manhood...

it's tuesday morning, and i am just waking up, from the first full night of sleep in over a week, i turned 22 last wedensday 18.july.07 and since then i have been on a rocket of some sorts. i look back over the past year, and i would have never expected a birthday like the one i had last week. last week gave me hope and inspiration, and most importantly it showed me to conquer my dreams, and life. my weekend was great with the exception of a few things i am not going to comment on, but friday night we hung out @ chacho's in houston, and went on to the club, which was shut down early due to a raid by the fire marshal [memo i still need to email bill white, the mayor of houston about that} anyways...saturday morning i woke up had to take care of some business, then it was on to the galleria for a day of shopping, fishing , lunch, and relaxation. my party was saturday night @ the grand lux cafe, and it was by far the best birthday i have had. several of my friends that i had not seen in a while showed up, and we laughed, ate, laughed even more, and even did the occasional reads...even my brother-in-law and sister showed up to sing happy birthday to me...i must say thanks brandon for everything you did to make this such a memorable birthday. sunday i hung out the brandon, and ralph as we did lunch, shopping, and got ideas for our new condo. i had fun all weekend. however the most touching part of my birthday came late sunday night. i was a bit upset about some other things, so to clear my mind i decided to catch the metrorail downtown to snap some pictures of downtown houston at night. i wanted sometime to think. riding through midtown (my fav. part f houston) i knew their were a lot of homeless people, but i had no idea of how bad it was at night down there. i opted to get off @ the mcgowen street station, and walk down main street. as i looked and saw the homeless children. women and men of houston, texas it touched my heart. in a country as rich in america, i counted 64 homeless people in two blocks, then i looked over one block and saw a sign for some new condos that will be starting at $500,000. i was disgusted. i complained as a child about not having the latest brands, and i have now become a fashion icon, with my $300 pairs of jeans, and almost daily trips to the mall, seeing this situation really made me think about things. i continued to walk and in the heart of the downtown historic district where everyone goes out and spends $40 and $50 to get into a club, their were people all around who had not eaten. it was just amazing to see in a city like houston, texas where we have birth some of the countries richest people, where we have 80 story skyscrapers with executive making millions of dollars, where we can spend billions on freeways, and rail transportation, we cannot make valid attempts to combat this problem. it made me think. you see the life i live right now is the life i have worked hard to create for myself thanks to opportunities that were afforded to me. i grew up around structure, with the best of guidance. i am now realizing as a young man that everyone does not have the same opportunities, and no matter how much education i have, no matter what kind of car i drive, what nice condo i live in, that could be me. it made things real practical for me, i could easily go from a comfortable life style as a yubppie sleeping on my 300 thread count sheets, to a worn out cardboard box on main street....

can't stop, won't stop.....

yesterday i returned to work, damn i have been 22 for almost 24 full hours and life seems to be very different. i guess life changes when you have a different outlook on things. it seem that GOD keeps moving things around in my life to make life work, and make life in general a little smoother...i am now sitting here staring at my empty suitcase, as i prepare for the biggest post-birthday celebration i have every had in my life. i have had so many people hit me up, to wish me the best, and if feels so good. as for this weekend, i am so damn excited about my dinner, and just hanging out as i get ready for new beginnings in life. i am excited that i have a best friend that is going out of his way to make sure that my birthday was and is special because of the last year i have had. i am bless to have someone special in my life that is doing the same. i am blessed to have grown and developed my mind into what i have. for when you seek something to much, you will not get it, but when you sit back and let the Lord have his way, when you for be forever blessed. as i look at things now i have a new attitude about life as a whole. i now see success in my future, i see more stability than anything, and i see myself doing big things in life. i see love coming soon, bigger contracts, and just a great life in general. and all i can say is it can't stop, and won't stop!!!

it was my best TEAday ever.....

where do i begin? well today was my 22nd birthday, and i must say it has been somewhat of a simple day, yet it has been the most special birthday i have have to date. my day started last night (this morning) with phone calls from everyone wish me a happy birthday. i woke up this morning feeling refreshed, and ready for a great day. i took the day off so that was one thing that was going to make the day great also. i decided to stay home do a little packing, and send some e-mails. i went to hour of power @ noon, which is a special mid-week service that my pastor hold every wednesday @ noon for professionals, and community member to come, get the word, eat, and go back to work, school, or whatever. well when i walked in everyone greeted me and wished me a happy birthday, and my general question was "how do they know it's my birthday??" anyway, he went right into the message, which hit so close to home for me as they always do. it's amazing how every sermon i have heard him preach to date has effected me personally and he breaks down in ways I never thought were possible. i guess the major difference in this birthday was that i am saved now, and i understand the importance of Christ in my life. i now understand that GOD created me for me, just the way i am, and he is with me guiding my path. i now understand that everyday is a birthday, and i give thanks for that. after church, i went to a meeting with some clients of TOG and wrapped up a major project i have been working on which was another great gift. ...i took a trip to the mall, and went to check on my cake for this weekend, then i returned home where my family had a cake and dinner for me.....i have so much to be grateful for, i am 22 years old, educationally focused, i have my own business, a great job, great friends, and sanity. i just hope i am blessed with many more days like this in this lifetime.....and just to think my 22nd birthday celebration is not over yet...

the birthday so far....

my first 10 hours of being 22 years old have been great. facebook makes a birthday even more special, just because of the wall posts. last night brandon was the first to wish me a happy birthday and take a drink for me @ midnight. shortly after that landell called and sang happy birthday to me, it was all to sweet with that Louisiana Cajun accent..lol but it was sweet...following that marquitta, jack and kevin all called so i heard from all of my best friends within the first 20 mins of m birthday....as for today, it will be extremely relaxing, just hanging around the house, going to church @ noon, lunch afterwards, and then a meeting this afternoon.....i feel soo good right now!!

22 years old and holding

goodbye 21, you will never be forgotten.......the best is yet to come....

GOD IS GREAT!!!!!

well here it is 22 years after my birth, and believe it or not 21 was one of the best ages of my life... i look back this time last year i was in such a horrible state. i was fresh out of a horrible relationship, i was damn near homeless, yes boojie terrance was almost homeless. i was outta college with just a lot of ideas, no real direction. two days after turning 21 i was arrested for some stupid shit, which i was was in two of the nation's largest jails, for three weeks, and that changed my life forever. i was released and decided that i was going to find myself. after regrouping, traveling, and really living, i made some major changes in my life. i quickly saw who i could depend on, and who not to even consider. i re aligned my friends and associates, and even family members. i started blogging, and meeting creative people like myself, and learning. the biggest accomplishment, and i don't even know if it it is appropriate to call it, is when i became spiritually saved in january of 2007. i found a great church home and a great pastor, whom accepted me for me, and told me to live my life, read my bible, and not to live a lie. during year 21 of the life of terrance omar gilbert, i grew quite fond of my best friend who proved his love for me and our unique friendship in many way from countless trips at anytime, to phone calls, to walking my through one of the most horrific battle of my life. 21 brought love, pain, personal illness, spirit, soul, death, both positive and negative changes, but through it all i was able to look deep into my soul and discover my essence as a young, gifted, black man. 21 was a year i learned to let shit go, in order for me to move forward and have a good future i had to let go of some much excess bullshit that was holding me down a preventing me from moving on. i dealt with racism, and homophobia head on, and when i finished i now know how to deal with it. i traveled extensively, i hit up nyc for the first time, and was thrilled about my nyu opportunity. i had many attacks on my personal character, but i let the very character they were attempting to attack speak and defend itself. at age 21 i learned to embark my life even more, and i had many opportunities to express my pride in who i have become to be. i decided to focus on my companies which i have also labeled my "babies" tog media, and tomar events. i feel in and out of love, developed a better fashion sense and spent way too much on clothing...lol. i learned that this world is a big place, and that possibilities are endless, and you have to go out and take it like a longhorn bull by the horns. i stood up for myself in so many ways, and proved to so many people that against all the odds i can be victorious. i learned a lifetime worth of lessons over the period of one year, and i much say thank you to my GOD in heaven, thank you to people that love and care about me, thank you to everyone that has supported me in so many ways....

he is.....

i have been talking to someone new for about 3 weeks now, and i must say i am extremely happy. the story is real short and simple, we met at the PRIDE Houston parade last month, and he expressed a lot of interest in me. well after conversations i didn't know what to expect, so after a long conversation we decided to become exclusive, yet take things slow. i guess i am attracted to the fact that he is motivated like myself, and has great taste. like me he has been hurt a few times, he is a little closer to my age than the previous so we will see how it works out...i will keep my peeps posted....

through it all........

....as a part of my 22nd birthday celebration I will be entering special inspirational blog entries all week. this is a song that the pastor @ my sister's church sings each week. i always listened to the worlds, but it was not until i came home and downloaded the song that i realized how much that the song speaks to me.. in the song still here by the williams brothers, they express how no matter what happens in life, keep your faith in god, and you will make it by his grace.

i feel so blessed to be going on 22 years old, and have the mind, body, essence, and spirit i have. as i look back over my life i have been through so much, i have had me share of heartache, pain, deceit, lies, and love. love has been my bestfriend, and my worst enemy. i have had poor days. which seem to be behind me, as i am now very blessed with my endeavors. it was interesting things i have been battling for months in a short conversation with my sister she broke shit down to the common d., which is me taking responsibility for being an adult, and handling my own. "if you are responsible and in dependant then fuck people say and think" is what she told me. she told me about her days of struggling @ Howard University in D.C. and how she was not doing everything for everyone, but for herself. "terrance is you have to work as many jobs as you need to to take care of terrance" and as i grow, and develop into the type of person i go one & on about being i now see that God places things and people in my life for various reasons....

a week fit for ROYALTY.......

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Houston, Texas- public relations guru terrance omar gilbert aka mr. tea will be turning 22 on july 18th 2007, and tog media has a week of events fit for only a prince. due to his birthday falling in the middle of the week most events will take place over the july 20-22 weekend in houston, texas. the official schedule is listed below:

Friday:

10:30. late dinner @ chachos 6006 Westheimer Houston, TX 77057

midnight. partee like a rock star in Houston, Texas various location through out downtown Houston, TX.



Saturday 21.july.07



10 am. breakfast @ the breakfast klub 3710 travis, midtown houston, texas 77004

noon-until early afternoon. shopping.shopping.shopping

7:45 pm. meet for tables @ the grand lux cafe 5000 westheimer, houston, texas 77054

8:18 pm. dinner & drinks with family and invited friends, associates, desert...

11 pm. a night on the town, all over houston, texas



sunday 22.july.07



noon. service awakenings movement

2:00 pm. brunch @ lastrada 322 westheimer houston, texas 77006

6:00 pm. drinks @ berry hill montrose houston, texas 77006



[wishlist]



well you guys know i love creative cards. i will be moving into my condo is like 2 weeks so gift cards from my fav. stores like ikea, target, the container store, bed bath and beyond would be cool. you know i ove me some coach and tiffany & co. as far as clothing is concerned you know i am a GAP junkie, i also rock lucky, club monaco, banana republic, aldo shoes, abercrombie, hollister. music i am feeling john legend, r kelly, ti. but most important just love from you would be great...lol



i look forward to kicking it with so many people and just having the best birthday celebration of my life.....

project ORGANIZATION....

or·gan·i·za·tion [awr-guh-nuh-zey-shuhn]
–noun
1. the act or process of organizing.
2. the state or manner of being organized.
3. something that is organized.
4. organic structure; composition: The organization of this painting is quite remarkable.
5. a group of persons organized for some end or work; association: a nonprofit organization.
6. the administrative personnel or apparatus of a business.
7. the functionaries of a political party along with the offices, committees, etc., that they fill.
8. an organism. –adjective
9. of or pertaining to an organization.
10. Informal. conforming entirely to the standards, rules, or demands of an organization, esp. that of one's employer: an organization mentality.

that's Webster's definition of organization. over the past year of my life as i look back i have done so much growing. i have had some of the best days of my life, as well as some of the worst. i have dealt with a horrible break up, make ups, finding a new best freind that i can confide in and trust, i have changed area codes, and after it all, i am finally making the full transition from a boy to a professional young African-American man. when i think of my life now, thanks to hours of reading, and countless conversations, i now understand the importance of stepping out on faith, and the importance of believing in myself....

project organization is the next phase of my life, meaning i am organizing every aspect of my life, from family, to love, to finances, to my companies. i have been blessed with sooo many opportunities, i have met so many people that have, and are still inspiring, and guiding me through this process. in the next 90 days i will be starting a new school, traveling to to LA with me friend sadiki, going to ATL with brandon, going to fashion week in nyc with devon, and back to nyc with brandon for a mid- semester break... i will be moving into a new condo in less than two weeks, and that alone is taking most of my time, as i am preparing for all that madness. organization has become quite a priority in my life, because i now understand that organization is the key to success in my life.....

my companies....

someone asked me via e-mail, what exactly are my businesses? i have never stopped to explain my businesses fully, so now i feel like this is the time to do it....

okay as a young child i had a deep affection for art, computers, and the printing industry. my brother worked for then kinkos (now fedex kinkos), and my friend's mother owned a print shop in downtown bryan. well i feel in love with design, and i started working on the school newspaper in the 6th grade, as the sixth grade editor. from then on my passion for the print design came out. i worked on the paper and yearbook in high school, but after i left and went to college i wanted desperately to find a job in the industry. i started freelancing, and landed some great jobs while in undergrad. in 2006 i decided to start my own full service public relations & graphic design firm.



TOG Media : Terrance Omar Gilbert media was originally founded as unique designs in 2001, and in 2005 i changed the name to represent my personality. when people meet me i want them to know i am stylish, creating, ground breaking, original, and unique. i decided i wanted my business to have the same reputation, and what better way then to give it my namesake. TOG Media is a unique boutique urban marketing, and graphic design firm. i specialize in creating custom look for clients that need assistance with image, branding, and style when it comes to their business or organization. i love taking my clients projects to unexpected levels, with creativity. from business cards to invitation for that special event, to lining up the perfect photographer to capture the event, i do it all....check out the blog togmedia.blogspot.com



TOMAR: Terrance Omar` custom event is my newest concept i launched in the spring of 2007. when i moved back to my hometown i decided to launch a full service event planning agency. my hometown which is twin college-towns of about 200,000 was lacking a young, creative, hip event planner, and i decided to conquer the market. with TOMAR i am still in the planning stages, however i have lined up my first major event and i am sooo excited. ...

my wishlist....

it's takkie to ask for birthday gift, but people keep asking what i want so i will tell you...honestly, AMEX or Simon Visa cards are my personal fav. you guys know i keep my camera with me at all times, so anything you can think of to help me with my digital photography will be greatly appreciated..

[the crib] okay so you know is just under a month until brandon, and i move into our brand new digs @ the woodlands of college station. my color scheme is going to be chocolate brown throughout accented in colors like aqua, pink, and lime. i would love gift cards from bed bath and beyond, ikea, linens and things, the home depot, j.c. penny, and target. i am sooo excited that we are turning our grad school experience into the undergrad experience we never had!!!!

[style.style.style] okay my style is simple yet functional and unique. imma jeans and t-shirt boy with the occasional drees up from express. i love man bags as you can tell from my pictures...my fav. colors are pink, tiffany blue, and brown. i love abercrombie, zara, coach, bananna republic, THE GAP, THE GAP, THE GAP, H&M, hollister, forever XXI, aldo, dr. martens, steve madden, gucci, juicy, and lousi vuttion. you be da judge....

[ toys] you know i love gadgets, i am a mac boy so anything related to macs it cool by me. i have also been peepin that product [red] bluetooth @ the sprint store....

[love] cards, calls, and wall posts....show me love.....

understanding beyonce a little better.......hell her songs are my life...

so those of you that know me know even being from metro Houston, Texas, i am not a huge fan of beyonce`, i was a huge fan of the ORIGINAL destiny child, but when they made all those changes and i read the stories of what happened it changed my mind on the group, and particularly beyonce and the knowles family. well with growing, you change your mind about people and things, and she is actually becoming a little tolerable. well when her sophomore album deja vu dropped last year i didn't like it initially, now months later i cannot get enough of it. from waking up to get me bodied every morning for workout, to jammin kitty kat, deja va, and irreplaceable, it has grown on me....

irreplaceable in retrospective... for those of you that use facebook you know that my relationship status has changed a few times over the last two weeks. well a couple of months ago i met someone and i thought it was someone i could grow to love, and have something "real" that so many people say they want, however it wasn't. when i decided to start dating i told myself i would revert back to dating older dudes, and that is what i did, but when you date a older guy, you would think his shit is together, but sometimes i find myself as a 21 year old being more goal-oriented, and focused. it's amazing my ex told my best friend he needed someone "Stronger" no you need someone you can walk over and tell anything to...anyways...i was upset decided to go to PRIDE, well i was walking in the parade and i made eye contact with this person. we exchanged number " i let the hrc group keep going, and stayed to get his number" well the following monday when i returned to work i found an e-mail from this person and decoded to see what it was all about. well within a few moments of chatting via e-mail we saw that we both wanted somewhat the same thing, a friend, and of course true love. now i am a huge love and relatiosnhip junkie, i think that is why i get hurt sooo much, well here are a week later, and we seem to be doing pretty well. he calls, we talk, my happiness seems to be important, he is gainfully employed, and a little closer to my age. i am excited to see what the future hold for us...as for what this has to do with ms. beyonce, i thank her for the inspiration of irreplaceable, i used to call it a hoe song, i now understand. to me it means that if you have confidence in yourself, and know the quality of person you are then no one or nothing is irreplaceable....

summer is winding down...a brotha is getting used to the "aggieland" way...

it's amazing how summer officially started ten days ago, yet mine is pretty much over, as a matter or fact the only thing i have reminding me is the Texas heat, and with all this rain that's not always a reminder. i have had some down days over the past couple of weeks, but my good days out wight the bad ones. getting used to being here has not been as bad as i thought it was going to be. texas a&m seems to be a pretty cool place, if you take it in doses...as most of you know i started my new job about a month ago, and it seems to be going well. i have a staff of people that i really like except a few, but you know how that is. i am in a laid back environment with people that seem to be cool, and i can work at a comfortable pace. Today 02.july.07 i woke up, went to visit my grandmother in rehab after her stroke two weeks ago, and she is doing great, i had to remind her she still owes me a peach cobbler. it's amazing even though she lost her speech, she still makes me laugh...afterwards i had to go to campus to deal with somethings, including a new contract tog media received from the greek life office. i will be design all of the recruitment materials for the fall rush, and i am soooo excited and blessed to have the opportunity. i will also be starting my writing for the batt (texas a&m's student newspaper). afterwards i went to starbucks for a frap, and then hit is home. i passed by and did one of my many weekly check up on the woodlands, the new community we will be living in. last night i was on the phone with Sadiki for like three hours planning his move-my vacation to los angeles next month. so what's next? well tonight i will be finishing up my plans for my birthday party next weekend, and getting ready for the essence music festival this upcoming weekend......

tog defines his P.R.I.D.E.....

this past weekend i celebrated gay pride along with thousands of other men, women, women-men, men-women, and children across the country, as we mark the annual anniversary of the stonewall riots in new york city. last year was my first year every attending what people in the life commonly refer to as the "white pride". this year was so different, for many reasons. anyone that is familiar with me know that my sexuality does not define me, it plays a huge role in my daily life, but it is not my sole purpose for life, and i don't eat, sleep and shit the rainbow. however their are a few things i wanted to breakdown for my readers so let me vent...

i knew i was gay at a young age, and i felt it was not right. when you are a young black boy growing up their are certain things you are not supposed to say and do. i remember as a young boy i hated outdoors, i loved dolls, and bright colors, however i knew that it would not be accepted at all. when i came out to my mother at 16 she told me she had known and was just waiting on me to tell her, and that she was going to love me no matter what. at 16 i dove head first into the scene, clubbing 5 nights a week, the boyfriends, all that, then focus changed slowly but surely... a year ago i went though so much as i was going though one of the most difficult periods in my life with a breakup, and just issues that many young adults face.

over the past year i have changed sooo much as a person. you see i have never been ashamed of being gay, however i never celebrated with pride like i did this past weekend. i met sooo many people from an adopted 13 year old with two fathers, to a lady in her early 30's with a 11 year old son that she knows is already gay, and is encouraging him to be himself, she said to me " honey my 11 year old bedazzled and rhimestoned my skirt, and i know already, he is going to be just like my brother, and life with our loved ones is too short for us to dwell on something like homosexuality, we should love each other for who the are not who they are attracted to." i saw so many couple and families all weekend and it reinforced what i want in life right now...

i want the all american life. i want the house or trendy condo with my children. i want the suv to take our children where they need to go, and be able to give children the life i might not have had. i want to shop for toys at christmas time, disney world in the summer, and school plays. i want to cook, "not big on cleaning so hire a great maid or nanny", i want to know true love, and to show the world that we are all God's children and all these society barriers need to be broken down for good. i want to show the world that all gay men are not materialistic label whores that club and fuck all the time, instead most of us want normal lives, we want true love, and happy homes....

this past weekend i met so many people that have made a lasting impact on my life, and reinforced the pride in my heart for who i am in my heart, body and soul, and who I have been for almost 22 years now. i walked in the parade with the human rights campaign, and to walk that stretch of westhimer rd. and see ll those people and have complete strangers feel what i feel, feel the discrimination, hate, but yet so much love was a feeling i could never possibly put into words.....

Houston Pride Festival gives peek at history

** I made the houston chronicle....

Exhibit boasts one of the largest archives on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender life

By SARAH VIREN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Terrance Gilbert, 21, takes a look around the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church Gay History Tent at the Houston Pride Festival in Montrose on Saturday.

Jessica Kourkounis: For the Chronicle

Just past the hot-pink columns marking the entrance to Saturday's Houston Pride Festival, beyond the stand for a woman painting portraits on river rocks and through the throngs of young couples in rainbow necklaces sat what has come to be known as "The History Tent."

Inside, hushed chatter replaced the music blaring through the rest of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender festival, which preceded the evening's Pride Parade in Montrose.

"That is a very popular table," said Larry Criscione, pointing out a display of black-and-white photographs, including one from a Village People concert. Down from that were aisles of archived magazines and books, including a photo book of female impersonators from the 1930s and a 1974 manual titled "Information on transexualism for law enforcement officers."

A wiry postal worker who talks with his hands, Criscione, 60, has spent the past 13 years building, preserving and cataloging what has become one of the largest GLBT archives in the country. Housed at the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church in Houston, it includes 20,000 books, 100,000 periodicals and 15,000 photos.

On Saturday, Criscione lugged out about 3,000 of the items to share with the thousands who flocked to Pride.

"I didn't know that anyone kept this stuff about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people," said Terrance Gilbert, 21, visiting from College Station. "It makes me want to hang on to more stuff."

The collection was started in the 1970s by Charles Botts, a NASA worker who just "loved collecting stuff on the GLBT community," Criscione said.

Before his death in 1994, Botts was spending 40 hours a week building his archives. One time, when Allen Ginsberg visited Houston on a book tour, Botts brought the author his entire collection of Ginsberg books and asked for a signature in each. It's for the gay and lesbian archives, he told Ginsberg, who quickly started signing.

Since Botts' death, Criscione has taken up where Botts left off. A self-described bookworm, Criscione said he was a late bloomer in the gay movement, coming out in the 1990s. But he's made up for it since then: He put 100 hours into Saturday's display, for instance, and devotes about 10 hours a week improving the church's archive.

On Saturday, a steady stream of festival goers filed through his white tent, some to escape the rain, but others were drawn by the intrigue of history. Kate Brusegaard spent much of her time in the tent flipping through old magazines she had read as a younger woman. She said the collection made her think about "how far we have come."

"We're accepted by all these corporate sponsors and everything now," she said, waving toward the food and drink booths crowding the festival grounds.

The Botts collection is one of two such archives in Houston. Organizers of both are engaged in friendly competition for pieces, Criscione said. But one day, the goal is to combine them to form a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Museum.

Criscione's immediate goal is more simple: to teach the younger generation. Hanging on the wall of the tent Saturday were two historical posters that he likes to point out to visitors.

The first was from June 25, 1978, announcing the first town meeting for gays and lesbians in Houston. Next to it was a poster offering a $2,000 reward for information on the Montrose slaying in 1991 of Paul Broussard, a gay man, by a group of teenagers from The Woodlands. On the poster was a description of the hate crime.

"People need to see our political struggles," Criscione said. "Back then people bled and sweat and died for our rights. People need to know that."

being encourged...

this week is almost over and i am soooo ready for the weekend...well my grandmother is doing better, she is responsive, and moving, yet she cannot speak. that has made everyone relax a little more around here. i have been working so hard on so many things this week, and God continues to bless me with people to inspire me and encourage me. yesterday i went to a meeting with someone i have become quite fond of, another local graphic designer i am working on a project with, and after like an hour we spoke about so many things, and she had so many nice and kind things to say to encourage me to do my thing. 2007 as i have said repeatedly has been a year of such development in my life from the boy i was into a man. i have come to terms with so many things that i have needed to in order to become a successful man. most 21 year old would be scared to step out of faith as i am doing to start a business with no capitol, and in a environment conservative city like bryan-college station. however thier is something inside my soul that i cannot tell to clam down, and their is a god above that continues to put people in my life that want so badly for me to make it, and see me succeed...well as for the up coming weekend i will be going to PRIDE houston, with my best friend brandon, and going to the true colors tour cyndi lauper concert sunday. next week i will return home work like a slave, and head to dallas, for shopping, to see my friends, and attend my cousin's party. i am sooo geeked...

the many tests of faith....

greetings all, well this week is officially half over, yet i have been through sooo much already. yesterday my maternal grandmother suffered a stroke. with emotions flying high today we found out that she is doing relatively well, and hopefully with grace of the Lord she will make a recovery. it's a shame that it takes things like this happening to make us understand how much we love and value loved ones. the most important thing for me is maintaing my composure, and beign there for my mother as she has never really been through anything like this. please keep me and my family in your prayers. one a little better note, my new job has been going well, and trying to get ready for the fall has proven to be a even larger task that i expected. out last place fell through so brandon & i will be living in a brand new condo @ a new luxury student community in college station called the woodlands of college station. the fun thing is we will have to find a roomate this week at a roomate match party the complex is throwing, i asked brandon "what are the chances we will meet someone we can live with?" he said "we won't" lol is all i could do.... i have also been working hard on getting everything situated with TOG Media and Tomar, but that is a different entry. tonight someone that i have been cool with hit me up on yim and yold me he read my blog, and was impressed, i am sooo excited that people are reading and exploring me and finding out what type of person I really am, and as sally field said "you like me.."

let them eat cake....

as most of you know i am planning for my birthday this year...last year was not the best birthday for me, so i said this year if the Lord said the same i would have a birthday to remember. i am not going to say too much for fear of spoiling it for my guests, but i will say i am soooo excited about my birthday. i am back in my hometown so i have chosen to have a little affair here, very personal, nothing too big, but done with the up most class!! my theme this year is my favorite things [like oprah]. my event will be a lawn party where my family and friends can enjoy themselves, and i can do some much needed catching up with some of my family and friends. hell is took me damn near three weeks to design a invitation, and the few people that have seen them are saying how creative they are. someone told me i need to tell them what to do as far as gifts were concerned.... here it goes:

- well i have become fond of a few things, i love tiffany and co. i know it is not in most people's budget, but i love it. i also love the gap & abercrombie, i wear small shirts, and tops, and my waist size is a 28-30x30. i love glasses, ipods, john legend, sex & the city, whole foods, and dvds. i also love underwear....so there we go...lol

honestly as long as i am around people i love, i will be okay. the past year has taught me so much about life in general, and i have been so blessed......

the HEAT......

as i walk out of the house everyday I am reminded of how hot is gets in texas. well so far the summer of 2007 is proving to be one of intense heat and changes for the good. i am preparing to move into new digs with my best friend brandon, who also will be attending texas a&m in the fall for grad school. when i moved home i sold a lot of stuff with the anticipation of moving to nyc, but since i am here i will go ahead and buy new shit, so we are going to have fun @ ikea huh brandon? since i have been home i kinda reverted back to a teenager, as i got comfortable with not have to worry about daily responsibilities of life such as rent, and all that. however the more comfortable i got, the more uncomfortable i got, and i quickly realized i needed my own space... brandon seems to think i have good taste in everything, i picked out a nice apartment close to school, and work for me, i wanted something new and that we could quickly feel at home....not only that i am preparing for my 22nd birthday festivities, which will be a week long of events..... after that i will be getting ready for school, atlanta pride, and our trip to nyc....so the heat is on......