Happy Birthday, Es!

April 16 is the birthday of Essex Hemphill, arguably the most critically acclaimed and best-known contemporary openly Gay/SGL African American poet, author, performance artist, and activist. He helped shatter the silence surrounding Gay/SGL Black experiences and empowered other Gay/SGL Black men to find their voices. This ahead-of-his-time creative’s literary impact is still felt today; he’s opened the doors for myriad authors—including myself.

Moreover, I am proud to have called him a dear friend. Learn more about this visionary and groundbreaking figure at https://substack.com/home/post/p-193945807

About the Author: Wyatt O'Brian Evans

Mr. Evans has reported and written for print and on line media outlets including the Huffington Post, The Washington Post, The Advocate, Bilerico, BaltimoreOUTloud, Washington Post, Baltimore Gay Life and the Washington Blade. His series of articles on issues such as Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A), Relationships, Depression, and Racism strongly resonate with the LGBTQ Community and its Allies. To read his work for HUFF PO, visit: https://huffingtonpost.com/wyatt-obrian-evans/ Mr. Evans has written an in-depth, multi-part and award-winning series on racism within the LGBTQ Community for Bilerico.. To have Mr. Evans write for your media outlet and organization also, please contact him using our contact form.