Pride Empowerment Panels by Rolando Chang Barrero
$1,000.00 each/ $4,500 all six , 4’ x 8’ each
About the panels:
The 2019 Palm Beach Pride "Empowerment Panels" created and painted by artist Rolando Chang Barrero with the help and support of artist Kat Janis of were seen during the Compass sponsored event that honored the 50 years of an amazing journey since the riot in Greenwich Village Ny at the #StonewallInn in 1969 which launched the the #gayrights movement.�The amazing event marks the 50 year anniversary of the many struggles towards #freedom, and #equality. �The historical importance and impact of our #bisexual, #transgender, #queer, #intersex, #drag and #ally community s in #LGBTQAi Civil Rights movement are never to be lost nor forgotten! As such, this year 2019 Palm Beach Pride and Wynwood Pride , as in years past, we celebrated the contributions of all the members our community that work every day to correct and secure our history. �While I am honored to have my work selected by Compass and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the AXS Law Group , it is not so much about the work itself, but of the portraits selected for the six "Empowerment Panels."
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Red panel (LIFE) is of Michael Brown, who before his tragic death in 2008, Michael Brown owned #WestPalmBeach landmark H.G. Roosters . For years, Roosters was one of the only local gathering places of people in the #LGBTQ community. Michael was a #philanthropist who personally saved the lives of countless people, and traveled the world with the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt to educate others about the spread of #HIVAIDS. His NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Panel is on permanent display at Compass Community Center. May he rest in peace and in our hearts.�.�
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Orange panel (Healing) is of Charles Capers/Melissa St John our community's iconic drag queen. Charles was interviewed as part of the Compass/Palm Beach Dramaworks #LegacyProject in 2018, and has worked tirelessly for many years to raise money and awareness to help those living with HIV/AIDS. In the 1980 and 90s she and others ran Mother's Cupboard a food pantry for gays and lesbians surviving with the virus, which fed thousands of people with very little public support.��
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Yellow panel (SUNLIGHT) is of Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz ( Ruth Berman ) who have been instrumental in fighting for LGBTQ rights for decades. Their pioneering fight for equality started in the New York public school system, and culminated with the re-introduction of the #RuthieandConnieLGBTElderAmericansActBill in the U.S. House of Representatives in #March2019: https\://www.congress.gov/…/115th-con…/house-bill/4222/titles. Connie passed away in May of 2018 but lives on in the enthusiasm and energy Ruthie continues to bring to LGBTQ issues in #PalmBeachCounty.
Green panel (NATURE) is of Carole Bloom Benowitz our president and founder of PFLAG - Palm Beach County. Carole has dedicated her life to raising awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ people, especially with their families. She has helped to start #PFLAGchapters in other communities as well, driving hundreds of miles a week to lead the fledgling groups. Carole, a recipient of Compass’ prestigious #MichaelBrownMemorialFacesoftheCommunityAward in 2018, is a dear #ally and friend.
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Blue panel (HARMONY/PEACE) is of Andy Amoroso, a local business owner, Vice Mayor of Lake Worth Beach and a member of the community who was instrumental in Compass’ move to Lake Worth, and the long standing relationship Compass shares with the City of Lake Worth Beach. Andy is the first openly gay city commissioner in Lake Worth.
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Purple panel (SPIRIT) is of Jazz Jennings, a resident of #SouthFlorida, is a former #PalmBeachPrideGrandMarshal and a tireless #advocate for #transgender equality and visibility. Her show on TLC, “ I Am Jazz ” has brought awareness of trans issues to millions of Americans.
