The World Pride and Power Conference

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea of, "same gender love" and affirming our culture as SGL people of African descent from an afri-centric perspective.

Azaan: Tell me about some of the workshops and the Conference Highlights?

Tashia: Highlights of the World Pride & Power Conference include:

Historic World Pride & Power SGLBT Pan African Forum with activists, journalists and anti-racism workers dialoguing about the primary issues impacting African-Americans and effective strategies to cultivating productive responses to oppression and discrimination;

Amazing Keynote Speakers From Around the World--Invited Speakers include

• WNBA Basketball Star-Sheryl Swoopes,

The World Pride & Power Organization will host the First Annual World Pride & Power Conference in an effort to foster unity, empowerment and inclusivity in SGLBT communities of African descent and their allies. Why should you attend? You should attend if you are a person of color, an activist, a poet, a writer, a politician, or an entrepreneur. You should attend if you are wise elder or a youth. You should attend if you are seeking inclusivity and wanting to connect and commune with your own kind.

Tashia Asanti

I had the absolute privilege to speak with one of the Founders of the Conference. Ifalade Tashia Asanti! Tashia Asanti is an award-winning activist, journalist, fiction writer, filmmaker, poet and initiated Yoruba/Ifa priestess. Tashia is the author of two best-selling books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone and Spirit.

Azaan: know you are an Award Winning Journalist, Poet, Author, and Film maker, what are some of the other things you are involved in?

Tashia: One of my deepest passions is African history (pre-slavery) and African spirituality. I have founded a Yoruba temple in Denver, the first Ifa temple in the State of Colorado. Our membership has expanded to several states. We hosted an international conference in 2003. The healing work of my temple brings me indescribable joy. Another of my passions is being a grandmother. I'm blessed to have grandchildren at a young age and therefore my partner and I get to do lots of fun activities with our three grandsons. This too is among the greatest pleasures in my life.I am also working on the sequel to my first novel and I am still touring with and promoting my first novel, The Seer. I am also working on the film adaptation to The Seer...

Azaan: Tell me about WPP Conference, when did you get the idea to create it and why?

Tashia: There was, in my humble opinion, a gap in the services that other LGBT organizations were providing to our community. Many orgs seemed to cater to a single audience. I wanted to create an agency that would reach across social, class and cultural lines--one that would unite, empower and heal communities of SGLBT African descent and other communities of color. I also wanted to create an org that would reach out to and create bridges with organizations across the African Diaspora and one that would connect our struggles to the struggles of our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. I feel strongly that we have a lot to learn from their work and vice versa.

Azaan: Who are some of the conference organizers and what roles do they play in the community?

Tashia: I invited conference organizers from 14 U.S. Cities and 9 Countries. This model is already being imitated by other groups. The organizers are social justice activists, journalists, agency directors, mothers, fathers, partners and supporters of the vision and mission of the World Pride & Power Organization.

Azaan: As a conference organizer, I'm sure you have a vision and high expectations, what are your goals for the conference?

Tashia: To facilitate a conference gathering that will increase unity, empowerment and inclusivity among SGLBT people of African descent and other communities of color.

Azaan: Who would you like to reach; is there a specific age group, level of education, financial background, etc?

Tashia: Everyone and anyone who identifies as same gender loving bisexual and transgender and everything in between, as well as our allies and supporters.

Azaan: As a passionate activist, what is your objective for the community as a whole?

Tashia: To do my part in making ours a more whole, healed, unified community in which individuals and families may thrive and coexist in peace and cultural understanding.

Azaan: Some of the invited key note speakers are World Renowned Spiritual Teacher, Best-Selling Author Dr. Malidoma Some, and Nationally celebrated Civil Rights Activist & Author Michael Eric Dyson, who are some of the other invited speakers?

Tashia: Carrie Broadus, one of my sheroes, whose activism and dedication in the field of HIV/AIDS has saved thousands of lives. Cleo Manago also laid the groundwork for work around the idea