GRIOT Circle, Inc.

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GRIOT Circle, Inc.

GRIOT Circle provides support and advocacy to LGBTQ older adults of color

04/21/2026

Thank you to all who attended and supported GRIOT Circle's Open House!

The evening was truly special filled with joy, pride, and a deep sense of community. We gathered to celebrate a new chapter for our organization and to share our new space with those who make our work possible.

Guests had the opportunity to explore and tour the space, connect with long-time members and supporters, and take part in a meaningful moment of blessing, honoring both the memories of those who came before us and those who will shape our future.

A heartfelt thank you to our staff for creating such a warm and welcoming experience, and to our board members for their continued leadership and support of our mission. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and supporters whose collaboration continues to strengthen our work. Most importantly, we thank our members, you are what bring life to this space, and we look forward to continuing to build a place we can all call home.

Thank you again for being part of GRIOT Circle family. We are truly grateful to have you in our community.

04/20/2026

As we approach our 30th anniversary this year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the impact and the memories of the individuals, community leaders, and members who have made GRIOT circle what it is today.

As we honor our past, we remain committed to keeping alive the legacy of those who have been persistent in the ongoing fight for equality and creating a space where we can all feel seen, heard, and loved. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we will continue this important work for generations to come.

Thank you to everyone who is part of our community. We are proud to continue doing this meaningful and necessary work together.

Please enjoy a compilation of GRIOT circle's history.

*Please note that this video does not include audio.

04/16/2026

LGBTQ+ Safety for Women

Join us for a self-defense class tailored for women-identified women and how to best protect yourself when you are in public

Date: Tuesday, April 21st
Time: 2:00PM-3:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor

Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

04/14/2026

It’s always a great time when Dave Johnson from Teachers & Writers Collaborative joins us for art with our members on Mondays!

This week, members used a variety of images and pictures for tracing and explored different art mediums such as crayons, chalk, and pencils to create their own unique pieces.

Join us for another Art with Dave Johnson session next Monday at 3:00 PM. For additional information, please contact our program coordinator, Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org

04/13/2026

Our members truly enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing day at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens last Friday. The weather was perfect for a nice walk and for taking in the beautiful blooming flowers. We’re already looking forward to returning once the gardens are in full bloom!

If you’re interested in joining us for a future outing, please feel free to reach out to our program coordinator, Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcirle.org

04/09/2026

Meet Pharmacist Adesayo Akinsanya and Nurse Cheryl Chery for an interactive session on STIs and overall wellness. Get guidance, ask questions, and receive trusted insights in a supportive environment.

Date: Tuesday, April 14th
Time: 12:00PM-1:30PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd floor

Please RSVP with Melissa Parke,melissa@griotcircle.org

04/08/2026

We had a wonderful time last week learning about planting with Plantxchange! We explored how different plants thrive in various environments, learned the best ways to water them, and gained the confidence to care for our plants at home. We also gifted beautiful plants to decorate our spaces. Thank you again!

If you’d like to join us for more programs like this, please email our program coordinator, Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to learn more about our daily programming!

04/07/2026

We’re excited to be hosting The Audre Lorde Project’s Interpreting for Social Justice Training 🗣️✨—inviting QTBIPOC community members to apply!

Repost

We’re excited to invite QTBIPOC community to apply for our Interpreting for Social Justice Training 🗣️✨

This training is for folks who are bilingual and want to build skills for language justice work in movement spaces!

📅 April 25–26
📍 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor
🕙 10 AM – 7 PM both days (you must attend both for certificate!)

Together, we’ll deepen our practice of language justice and strengthen access, care, and connection in our communities.

Apply now: https://alp.org/LJ-training

Please share with folks in your networks 💖We’re excited to be hosting The Audre Lorde Project’s Interpreting for Social Justice Training 🗣️✨—inviting QTBIPOC community members to apply!

Repost Audre Lorde Project

We’re excited to invite QTBIPOC community to apply for our Interpreting for Social Justice Training 🗣️✨

This training is for folks who are bilingual and want to build skills for language justice work in movement spaces!

📅 April 25–26
📍 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor
🕙 10 AM – 7 PM both days (you must attend both for certificate!)

Together, we’ll deepen our practice of language justice and strengthen access, care, and connection in our communities.

Apply now: https://alp.org/LJ-training

Please share with folks in your networks 💖

04/06/2026

We’re thrilled to share that tickets for our partner Broadway Inspirational Voices Annual Fundraiser are officially on sale! 🎉

Even more exciting, our incredible Program Director, Lisa Eddy, will be taking the stage as a performer! You won’t want to miss this special night of talent and celebration!

Get your tickets and join us in supporting an amazing cause!
---

Repost from Broadway Inspirational Voices

Tickets for “Rising With Purpose”, BIV’s Annual Fundraiser tickets are officially on sale! Join us on Monday, April 13 at City Winery NYC for an inspirational evening to celebrate the power of music, community, and service.

We are also thrilled to announce award-winning actor, stage director and Theater Hall of Famer Phylicia Rashad will be receiving the Broadway Inspirational Voices Legacy Award! Ms. Rashad will be joined by our Inspiration Award Honorees: Tony and Grammy Award-winning, Emmy-nominated actress, singer, and producer Renée Elise Goldsberry and Tony and Olivier Award-winning theatre and film producer Tom Kirdahy .

The evening will also include Special Guests including Tony Award winner Kara Young (PURPOSE, PURLIE VICTORIOUS), Nichelle Lewis (RAGTIME, THE WIZ), Ty Taylor .tyronetaylor (Leader Singer of VINTAGE TROUBLE, theatre, TV and film actor), and Aisha Jackson (THE GREAT GATSBY, THE NOTEBOOK, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL).

The evening is co-produced and directed by BIV Executive Director Angela Grovey and BIV Artistic Director Allen René Louis . “Rising With Purpose” will be a joyous musical celebration and a call to action for the year ahead. We will honor and thank those who have stood beside us over the years while welcoming new members into the ever-growing BIV family.

Purchase your tickets today at the link in BIV's bio and join us on April 13 at City Winery! We can’t wait to see you for this unforgettable evening of soul stirring music and inspiration.

04/03/2026

Don’t miss out on your FREE Starter Kit!

Join Zinerman For NY Assembly 56 at Restoration Plaza on April 11th for a hands-on gardening experience designed to help you transform your window boxes and green spaces this season.

Event Details:
Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Restoration Plaza (1368 Fulton St., Brooklyn)

What to expect:
• Hands-on planting stations
• Expert advice from Pamela PettyJohn & Ena McPherson
• Seasonal design tips from Rococo Designs
• Meet Greenest Block winners and learn their secrets

Plus: Free Starter Kits + our Beautification Playbook to help you get growing right away!

Spots are limited—RSVP now so we can have your kit ready:

👉 https://forms.gle/3fdJrGAA49KLp4iNA

04/02/2026

Thank you, Cici Osias, for facilitating our coffee talk on Tuesday!

Cici Osias, a fellow at Haiti Cultural Exchange, shared her experience as a quilter and discussed the rich history of quilting within the African diaspora. Members also reflected their own connections to quilting.

During the session, she shared her creative process and the inspiration behind her quilting practice.

Her work has been featured at the Weeksville Heritage Center and will soon be on view at the Textile Arts Center.

04/01/2026

Join us as the garden comes alive with color, including stunning cherry blossoms in peak bloom. Stroll through vibrant floral displays, enjoy the fresh air, and experience nature at its most beautiful.

Date: Friday, April 10th
Time: 11:00AM-3:00PM
Location:90 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

Address

New York, NY
11217

Telephone

+17182462775

Website

http://www.griotcircle.org/

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History

GRIOT (Gay Reunion In Our Time) Circle was founded as an informal gathering of elders and was officially recognized as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1996. GRIOT Circle remains the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of elder LGBTQ people of color.

Most of our members reside in New York’s metropolitan area, though GRIOT has members throughout the country. Nearly all our members are from modest-to-low income households; more than 50% are retired; and about 90% identify as black, African American or Caribbean American.

We provide emotional support and quality programming that affirm the lives of this often invisible and marginalized population. GRIOT is committed to honoring and preserving our histories and traditions while reuniting those parts of our selves that have been fragmented by racism and homophobia. We maintain a space, free of discrimination based on age, gender, race, sexuality, spirituality, and ethnic origin. Everyone is welcome.