Our Story
What began as a conversation about the lack of exposure of films that explore the Black LGBTQ experience birthed the Black Alphabet Film Festival, Chicago’s first Black LGBTQ film festival. The Founding Board of BAFF successfully fulfilled their vision to empower Black LGBTQ communities worldwide to share their stories, creating a legacy that honors the past, highlights the present, and nurtures the future.
Since its inception in 2013, Black Alphabet has encouraged storytelling, cultivated new dialogues, and educated communities about the cultural and social contributions of Black LGBTQ-identified individuals. In 2019, recognizing the need for broader creative expression, the organization refined its mission to advocate for social equity, focusing on issues disproportionately impacting the Black LGBTQ+ community.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Alphabet has prioritized mental health awareness and wellness strategies, addressing the unique challenges faced by Black LGBTQ+ individuals during isolation. As the world reopens, plans are underway to expand outreach to more cities and countries, amplifying advocacy and education efforts.