In the early throes of autumn, the LGBTQ+ organizational development service Lord, Rustin, and Bates Inc. presented part one of the yearly Fahrenheit Humanities Festival at Haven, an entertainment and performance space at 932 E. 43rd St.
The Sept. 25 event focused on community, health, mental wellness, and entertainment. This version of the eventwhich was moved indoors due to the weatherfeatured emcee Otis Mack (aka The Heavy Diva) and an array of drag and live performances.
After an early evening buffet dinner, the show started with a rousing gospel performance by the choir of The Powerhouse Church led by David Martin. Then, performer Kenyotta Kenchris took the stage and led her band through a short set thath featured a near-hard funk version of Rufus' "Ain't Nobody" that had everyone in the room dancing and singing along. Shavonna Brooks then emceed as Kenya J. Sanchez, Spanky Dupree, Pheonix O'Hara, Prestigious Bonet and vocalist Marvette Devo performed into the night. DJ Gemini Jones provided beats throughout the evening.
Among the partners and participants for the event were Howard Brown Health, The Chicago Department of Public Health, The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, The Black Alphabet Film Festival, Reliance, Affinity, The Powerhouse Church, CommonWealth Financial Planning and Consulting, and The Center on 63rd St.
The second Fahrenheit event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 9, and is set to take place at The Promontorym 5311 S. Lake Park Ave.
The Facebook page for Lord, Rustin, and Bates Inc describes the nonprofit organization as "committed to structural and systemic change through its organizational development services which provide culturally responsive services, education which fosters civic engagement, and community organizing efforts that centers LGBTQ communities."