UnSung Hero’s

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Calvin Clark has been a resident of the Ft. Greene neighborhood for over 30 years. A master carpenter by trade, it was in Brooklyn Clark discovered his passion for creating spaces that go beyond the restorative phase. He put that passion to work when he opened his first Gay Club Rockwell’s in 2000. A leader in the LGBTQ+ community, Clark wanted to create a safe space for marginalized gay men of color to meet, greet and celebrate. The success of Rockwell’s afforded Clark an opportunity to open Langston in 2001. This led to Clark investment in Moe’s in 2011, and the later opening of Bedford Lounge where Clark created a space that mirrored the stylish brownstones’ in the area.  In addition to carpentry, Clark is a skilled craftsman and once sold his handcrafted autographed face-masks on consignment at Spike Lee’s famed shop in Ft. Greene.  He is a board member of Von King Park Conservancy; 500 Men Who Care; and a volunteer for Youth at Risk for over 25 years–

For over 35 years James Saunders have been promoting legendary events and travel for people of color in the LGBTQ+ community. Beginning his career in 1978, Saunders produced his popular U-Men U-Sweat affairs at underground loft parties at various venues in Central Brooklyn and later expanded to Manhattan’s Octagon night club where he created U+Me. As his reputation in the marketplace continued to grow, he began to produce fundraisers for numerous HIV/AIDS organizations including an annual White Party and Black Pride Boat Ride for Black Pride NYC. He’s served on the advisory board for Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD), Federation of Black Prides, and was a board member for Brooklyn Pride. He’s received numerous awards and honors including GMAD, Unity Fellowship Church, Pride in the City, Sacred Fellowship and Black Pride NYC.  Mr. Saunders lives in Brooklyn, NY, where he continues to produce activities, travel and tourism affairs for the LGBTQ+ community. —