Let's Talk Race: Exploring the Black Queer Experience

Shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by BLACK QUEER INDIVIDUALS, distinguished panelists from diverse backgrounds will explore the intersections of race, sexuality, and gender. Join US for conversation, a light meal, and a panel discussion.Register here to be included in the meal: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/2025-06-11/lets-talk-race-exploring-black-queer-experience [https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/2025-06-11/lets-talk-race-exploring-black-queer-experience] Registration is not required to attend and participate in the conversation. The panelists include: Tiffany Adams is a sociologist-turned-theologian, spiritual teacher, therapist, and energy healer. She lives in Columbia, SC with her wife, R.G. and their children, Andrew and Mackenzie; where they co-lead the spiritual community of The Way Worship Center, the oldest LGBTQ affirming congregation founded and led by a woman of color in the state of South Carolina. You can see and hear parts of her story in GLAAD's ("Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation") short documentary film entitled "GLAAD Presents: State of Change – South Carolina" that looks at the lives of LGBT people and allies living in the Southern state. A bi-vocational minister, Tiffany provides energy, sound, and talk therapy through her private practice, Adams Family Wellness in West Columbia and serves on the board of directors for The Nickelodeon Theatre in downtown Columbia. M. Lamont Gleaton is a South Carolina native with extensive stage experience, having performed in various venues across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. He has worked with The South Carolina Ballet, served as a board member for the Columbia Repertory Dance Company and Workshop Theatre. Additionally, Lamont has lent his makeup artistry skills to several Vista Queen Pageants in collaboration with Trustus Theatre. He has graced the stages of institutions like the University of South Carolina (Columbia and Aiken campuses), Lander University, Columbia College, and Francis Marion University. His theatrical credits include roles in The Color Purple, The Wedding Singer, Kinky Boots, A Chorus Line, The Glass Menagerie, Harvey and Hairspray (all with Workshop Theatre), Blues for an Alabama Sky with Trustus Theatre. Beyond the stage, Lamont is dedicated to supporting various local causes in the Columbia area, using his time and talents to help raise funds for numerous charitable initiatives. He is currently the show director at a local drag establishment. Lamont has also participated in several prestigious pageant systems, including Miss South Carolina, Miss SC Plus World, Miss Cinderella, Miss U.S. Plus Intercontinental, and Miss South Carolina Earth USA. Kristina-Lois Hampton is an associate therapist and coach whose work centers on anti-oppressive and liberatory practices. They work in supporting clients through identity exploration; gender journey experiences; and systemic and racial trauma. Kristina-Lois combines her interest of narrative work and schema therapy to support clients in developing a deeper sense of self through their values. Darius J. Jones is a dedicated public health professional and community advocate based in Columbia, South Carolina. He currently serves as the Program Coordinator for HIV Counseling, Testing, and Linkage Services at the South Carolina Department of Public Health. In this role, Jones oversees the implementation of statewide HIV prevention strategies, ensuring that individuals receive timely testing, counseling, and linkage to care services. Jones's commitment to public health is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Columbia, where he was raised in a family of educators who instilled in him the values of service and community engagement. He pursued higher education at Allen University, a historically Black university in Columbia, where he developed a strong foundation in health education and advocacy. Throughout his career, Jones has been a passionate advocate for the Black LGBTQ+ community. As the President of South Carolina Black Pride since 2015, he leads initiatives that celebrate and empower Black LGBTQ+ individuals across the state. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, focusing on enriching minds and bringing awareness to LGBTQ+ issues in South Carolina. In addition to his professional roles, Jones has held leadership positions in several organizations, including serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors at the Harriet Hancock Center, South Carolina's only LGBTQ Community/Resource Center. He has also been a member of National Youth Pride Services since 2012, contributing to leadership development activities for Black LGBTQ+ young adults. Through his multifaceted roles, Darius J. Jones continues to be a leading voice for equity and inclusion, working tirelessly to uplift marginalized communities and foster a more inclusive society in South Carolina. Sadia Pollard is a Black queer southern farmer. They graduated with a horticultural degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2019. After working for the university farm and a small nonprofit farm in WNC, Sadia started Prosper Farm in 2021. Prosper Farm is focused on growing with deep intention, sustainability, and ancestral guidance. Originally renting land in Columbia, SC, the farm is taking a sabbatical to find permanent land to cultivate. Moderated by: Kei Grant serves Richland Library as a Teen Services Associate, Coordinator of the Teen Advisory Board at Richland Main, and Chair of the Rainbow Committee. Through their work, they strive to create inclusive spaces that foster connection, understanding, and personal growth. As a moderator, Kei has led thought-provoking discussions on a variety of topics, including media representation, gender studies, and visual arts. Their experience includes panels such as Time & Time Again: Exploring the Antique Blacks—A Rootworker’s Tarot (2023), Beyond the Straight and Narrow: LGBTQ+ Representation in Film and TV (2024), Queer Queries: Mental Health and Public Health Advocacy Panel (2024), and Read Freely Fest: Zine Panel (2025). Beyond their work at Richland Library, Kei actively creates and distributes zines, experiments with collage, and supports fellow artists, musicians, and filmmakers. They are passionate about community-building through play, radical rest, and art. _________________________________________________________ This program is a Let’s Talk Race and Rainbow Committee collaborative event. The Let’s Talk Race team is a staff-led team at Richland Library. Their purpose is to create opportunities for civic engagement, to build community connections, and encourage courageous conversations that focus on race, culture, and ethnicity. Richland Library's Rainbow Committee facilitates community and space for LGBT+ staff and customers. You may also like the following events from Richland Library [https://allevents.in/org/richland-library/288404] : * This Thursday, 12th June, 10:00 am, The Market at Richland Library Sandhills in State Park [https://allevents.in/state-park/the-market-at-richland-library-sandhills/200028271296723] * This Saturday, 14th June, 03:00 pm, A Family Concert with Tati Nuzi and Friends in State Park [https://allevents.in/state-park/a-family-concert-with-tati-nuzi-and-friends/200028292131545] * Next Thursday, 19th June, 06:00 pm, Meet the Author & Illustrator: Breanna J. McDaniel & April Harrison in Columbia [https://allevents.in/columbia/meet-the-author-and-illustrator-breanna-j-mcdaniel-and-april-harrison/200028292129531] Also check out other Sports events in Columbia [https://allevents.in/columbia/sports] , Health & Wellness events in Columbia [https://allevents.in/columbia/health-wellness] , Arts events in Columbia [https://allevents.in/columbia/art] .