The Legacy Of Joseph Beam 

Born December 30th, 1954 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joseph Fairchild Beam was an activist, journalist, writer, poet, and proud feminist.

 

He was a trailblazer in the 80s, creating the first anthology about the lives of Black Gay men.

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During a time when everything was silencing the voices of those suffering from HIV and AIDS, Joseph gave them a voice. 

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His passion for community started a chain reaction that inspires activists and artists to this day.  He influenced likes of Marlon Riggs, Essex Hemphill, Craig Harris, and more.

 

His work lives on through stories and the work of organizations like Counter Narrative Project and B.E.A.M.