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...