The board of directors of Philadelphia Black Gay Pride was recently up for reelection and, while two members stepped down, the rest of the panel and its executive leadership was approved for another term.
The executive board — consisting of Yusef O’Bannon as treasurer, Ruby Augustus as secretary and Landis Osborne as vice president — was all reelected for another two years through the board’s revamped secret-ballot process. Chris Alston, who has served as president of the group for four years was elected as interim president, a position he will hold for up to one year, until one of the other board members decides they want to step up to the helm.
“I’ve been the president since 2006 and I am ready to move aside and let someone else take the reins,” Alston said, noting, however, that none of the current board members wanted to take on the position until they could better examine the responsibilities included. “I’ve agreed to stay on one more year and allow different board members to see all that is involved, and then hopefully this process will allow us to identify a new president.”
Remaining board members include director of development Deborah Johnson, director of advertising K. Michael Brooks, director of entertainment Le Thomas, director of youth outreach D’Ontace Keyes and director of transgender outreach Andrea LaMour Harrington.
Board members Phyllis Powers and Michael Hinson, one of the PBGP founding members, left the board to spend more time with their families, Alston said.
“While the board was deeply saddened by the submission of their resignations, we totally understand; family must always be first priority,” Alston said. “They both are still in contact with us and have worked behind the scenes in some capacity since their resignations.”
To be considered for one of the two open board seats, send a statement of interest to [email protected].
Jen Colletta can be reached at [email protected].