Brothers of the Desert show the Power of Community, wins $1,000 grant – Desert Sun
“As Black gay men we are powerful when we work together.”
“To see Black men gathering in social and educational settings sends a strong message and positive imaging to the greater community.”
“The power of brotherhood and the ability of Black men to ‘get things done’ — we have to continue to support our community and each other.”
These are powerful and moving testimonials spoken by locals addressing a need that has existed in our desert community for decades. Gay black men have long been looking for an opportunity to meet and bond and help one another. It became a call to action and was subsequently answered by the creation of an organization calling itself Brothers of the Desert.
The seeds of the group were planted in 2017 among a group of Black gay men in the Coachella Valley — both desert pioneers and desert newcomers — who felt disconnected and isolated.
In 2018, they set about seriously developing an organization to support the Black gay community, and in 2020 Brothers of the Desert was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
“Our vision is to have a dynamic, vibrant and socially just community in the Coachella Valley where Black gay men and our allies can thrive,” says board member Andre Carthen.
The nonprofit hosts numerous opportunities for Black gay men to meet, network and turn to each other to enhance their lives in our valley. It’s flourishing, thanks to the many successful events the organization sponsors.
“We nurture and support through education, advocacy, social networking, volunteerism, philanthropy and mentorship,” says board president Tim Vincent. “Our purpose is to change the dynamics that produce isolation, disconnection and inequities among Black gay men.”
Support and education are the hallmark tenets of Brothers of the Desert’s commitment to our valley. They hold many events throughout the year, including one of their most important outreaches — their annual wellness summit. This year they will host their fourth summit, which will be held Nov. 12 at the Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs.
“We are calling it ‘Our Rhythm, Our Power: Living Our Best Black Gay Lives,’” Vincent says. “We will feature a series of interactive workshops and inspiring keynote presentations. There will be opportunities to connect and meet new people while attending the workshops. Topics will include relationship considerations, mental health support, aging considerations, examining the dynamics of race, emerging health concerns, creative expression, sexual health, spirituality and financial planning.”
All are important, relevant topics and conversations to be shared. Vincent says they are also very committed to serving our desert youth as well.
“Since we organized, we have dedicated more than $10,000 in scholarships to LGBTQ+ students and Black students in the Coachella Valley.”
It’s for this crucial and powerful outreach and mission the newly formed nonprofit provides for our community that we award Brothers of the Desert our Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation Power of Community $1,000 grant so they may continue their passionate commitment to our valley.
Carthen says: “We need each other as African-American gay brothers more than ever through support, love, communication, intimacy and spirituality.”
“Everyone in the community is welcome to attend any of our events, including our New Year’s Eve gala and fundraiser,” Vincent says “We have many entertaining and educational efforts held throughout the year. Please join us.”
Witnessing this inspirational outreach through such impressive advocacy and care exemplifies what the Power of Community is all about. It’s what makes our valley so special.
Congratulations Brothers of the Desert — you have definitely answered that call first heard so many decades ago. And you are beautifully “getting it done.”
Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as cohost of the nationally syndicated show “PM Magazine.” She went on to host many local and national shows like “Hollywood Insider” before becoming one of the original anchors for E! and a regular on Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family.” In 2017, she moved to the desert full time, creating and hosting NBCares for more than six years, profiling over 300 valley nonprofits. She is currently the host of “Desert Chat,” a new half-hour lifestyle show spotlighting all the good people, events and news in the Coachella Valley, debuting in September on KESQ and Fox 11.