Updated 10/20/05:
A friend advised that I add a HUGE disclaimer when I post other peoples articles, especially if they can be controversial. I'm new at this, so here goes.

"I did not write the following article(s) and it does not necessarily reflect my views."

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Article:

Black Gay Activist Creates Artificial Flap To Keep Name In Press After Farrakhan Rejection

October 17, 2005
By MC

In last Sunday’s, October 16, 2005 edition of the Washington Post newspaper, Rev. Willie Wilson of Union Temple Baptist Church in DC is quoted, saying, “[Keith Boykin] straight up lied” about ever being formally invited to speak at the Millions More rally Saturday on the DC mall. A minor investigation reveals that Wilson’s passage does sum up the untold truth behind Keith Boykin’s media firestorm that claims he was "disinvited" from the Millions More March program. Upon further investigation facts different from Boykin's assertions can easily be found. Keith Boykin was never cut from the Millions More Movement (MMM) program by Willie Wilson or anyone else. The fact is Mr. Boykin was never invited to speak. Knowing his constituency won’t or can’t discern the facts, because they hate Rev. Wilson, and know little about the Nation of Islam, apparently, Mr. Boykin feels free to spread a false reality.

Cleo Manago head of the Black Men’s Xchange (BMX), an organization founded by him in 1989 has a purpose “to affirm, unify and educate same-gender-loving (SGL) people, and a diverse Black community.” Cleo Manago had been chosen way in advance to speak at the Millions More march Saturday, October 15, 2005. Based on the strong response Mr. Manago received from the massive MMM audience, his appearance seemed to more than adequately fulfill Minister Louis Farrakhan’s interests in being inclusive of homosexual representation at the historic march. Nation of Islam (NOI) members have now moved on to future phases of their Millions More Movement, which will include Mr. Manago.

Several sources expose that Boykin had never been formally invited to speak by MMM organizers. Apparently, the decision was made as early as March of this year, after Boykin had met Minister Louis Farrakhan at the "State of the Black Union" Conference in Atlanta, GA. The Nation of Islam (NOI) wanted diverse representation at the march this time. Still, with this diversity, the NOI wanted people involved that were also progressive and conscious members of the Black community.

Boykin, being closely aligned with mainstream, white gay community politics, and with very limited experience in on the ground, Black community leadership, he was never considered as a speaker for the Millions More Movement (MMM) this year. The Nation of Islam preferred Black homosexual representation that was more in line with the MMM mission and the NOI's history. In June of this year, members of the Black Men’s Xchange (BMX) joined MMM organizers. The organization became one of several local organizing committees in New York City. Upon investigation it was discovered that members of the NOI on the east and west coasts were already familiar with BMX. Million More organizers found that BMX had parallel interest for Black people, and accepted the organization as representatives at the MMM. The Nation was comfortable and pleased with this choice.

Kulbe Carter, a young man from Harlem, New York, who identifies as same-gender-loving, said, “On Keith’s website he writes about having met with or spoke to Nation of Islam people and Farrakhan, four times. Keith and company met with the man so many times because they figured at some point he might do what they wanted. Farrakhan was gracious to Keith because he is black. But Farrakhan had already made a decision.”

At an October 5th news conference about the Millions More rally, ten days prior to the event, Minister Akbar Muhammad, a top NOI official, among other relevant issues, informed participants that march speakers would include "gay" representation. Mr. Akbar announced that it would be a representative from the Black Men’s Xchange (BMX). Boykin’s organization would lash out at BMX. His staff members reported to the white gay press that BMX was separatist, and anyone from that organization would not be an acceptable choice to speak.

The NOI news conference made it clear that Boykin would not be the “gay” speaker at the October 15 rally. A choice had already been made that did not include Boykin. But, Boykin had a plan. Unable to accept MMM organizer’s decision, he pursued Minister Farrakhan one last time. He wanted to create a photo opportunity including his staff and Farrakhan, then use the image to create the idea that he had finally been invited to speak. According to Kulbe Carter, “Boykin is a media hound with a web-site to promote his activities. But, never did it say “NBJC President and Black Gay Leader Chosen to Speak at Millions More.” What happened instead was a picture of Keith with Farrakhan (in the back) appeared on his website with a caption saying “Farrakhan Meets with Black Gay Leaders.” But there was never a caption that said Boykin had definitely been invited to speak at the march. According to Kulbe, “Every body who cares, knows Boykin would have made spread that information all over. But there was nothing to spread, at least not that he was chosen.”

Boykin’s organization, known for sending out press releases in mass by e-mail and fax, never sent one out that said he would actually be speaking. The organization that was invited, the Black Men’s Xchange (BMX), did send out press releases in mass, because Cleo Manago really was the chosen speaker. Keith Boykin never was, which embarrassed him. So he created a fake scandal that the gay and mainstream press in DC - who do not like Farrakhan anyway – gladly took advantage of.

Everyone who has heard Keith Boykin’s complaints, and has bought into them, has been manipulated. What Boykin has done and is doing is the height of dishonesty, low-integrity and behavior that keeps deep divisions going in the Black community. All because of his ego, and personal agendas.

Boykin is calling himself “Black Gay Leadership.” If this is the kind of leadership this community wants, it is a decision clearly marred in low self respect. Because a man who would out and out lie to his community, really has no respect for it.


Links:
Farrakhan said to approve gay speaker for march

NBJC Press Releases