Columbus, Ohio - The Launch of the Columbus, Ohio Brutha2Brutha Social and Activity Network was held at Blacklick Metro Park just outside of Columbus on Saturday May 19th and was a lightly attended and successful event.

B2B; the brainchild of facilitators Ric McDaniel and Frank Caldwell, is
being designed to provide Professional Gay African American men with
opportunities to participate in recreational, social, educational and self
improvement activities and events of interest to the community.

The weather on Saturday was unusually cool for a mid May day however the sun did come out long enough for the attendees to enjoy some homemade grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, baked beans (like your grandma used to make) and lots of laughter and some serious path blazing for the group.

Attendees at the event were given honorary memberships to the group and
applications were disseminated to those interested in serving on the Board
of Directors - the group which will be assigned with developing the formal
philosophy and events/activities schedule for this specialized community
based group.

Facilitators McDaniel and Caldwell hope to have the board installed and
meeting within the next thirty days. "In order to keep the momentum moving
after such a significant turn out of interested bruthas, it's important that
the group begin to plan and initiate events similar to those discussed
during the BBQ." Caldwell added "It is one thing to talk about doing things
as a group, but B2B will provide the capacity to engage our community in
some events they will enjoy. The club scene for the professional brutha is
not always as appealing as some may think, as we learned at the BBQ, Bruthas desire to have activities that they are comfortable participating in".



Affiliated with the Center on High - Columbus' Stonewall Gay Community
Center, B2B was able to provide prizes during the two sports games that were
played on Saturday. T-Shirts were given to team winners in Volleyball and
Badminton. Stonewall also donated a large supply of soda for the event.
Co-facilitator Ric McDaniel mentions that Stonewall will use B2B to expand
diversity in its service offerings so that more of the gay community has a
voice in the center and its activity schedule. He further mentioned that The
Center on High has been very supportive and offering assistance where able
during the event planning and development stages, although the BBQ was
funded by a large private donation.

One concern that was brought up during discussions at the event was other
racial communities expressing dismay and concern that they were being left
out since the marketing for the event clarified that the function was
targeted toward African American men. One of the participants mentioned that he was coming to the event with a white friend. This white friend later
decided to cancel because he thought the event should be open to anyone and was offended that the group should only cater to 'black guys'.

Caldwell and McDaniel were very quick to remind attendees and other
individuals concerned that although involvement and attendance at B2B
functions is open to anyone, the goals and focus of the group will be
targeted specifically to the needs of the African American brutha. "In no
way does B2B intend or plan on blocking membership or attendance based on color however, the events will be researched, designed and implemented with the interests of bruthas (African American's) as a paramount feature. That
is the main gist of having a minority based group - to identify, discuss,
service and implement activities which are of interest specifically to their
needs". McDaniel also mentions that it will become important for B2B to
clarify this philosophy continually to the community at large, which may try
to stifle the growth of B2B using what he calls "unfounded reverse idealism".

Future events will be mentioned on the temporary website which is
http://www.myspace.com/cmhgp. Additionally, your questions, comments and suggestions for activities or ideals for the group can be emailed to
b2bcmh@yahoo.com

It is time to change the social and recreational opportunities for African
American bruthas in Columbus and Central Ohio. B2B is the way to get it
done!