Exclusive | Interview
On August 24, 2024, a gathering of friends, family, and colleagues filled The Gathering Spot in Washington, DC, to honor a monumental figure in the Black LGBTQ+ community: Earl Fowlkes, Jr.
After 25 years of dedicated service as the President, CEO, and Founder of the Center for Black Equity (CBE), Earl's retirement marks the culmination of a career defined by advocacy, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to social justice and equality.
The Center for Black Equity has produced D.C. Black Pride since 1991. In an interview with NBC Washington during this year’s D.C. Black Pride, Earl shared, "After 33 years, we're still here, and there are now 50 Black Pride celebrations across the country, all stemming from this one. I've had the privilege of mentoring and guiding many of the leaders, and that is my living legacy."
The event, fittingly named Earl Fowlkes Jr.' Retirement Roast was a celebration filled with emotion, laughter, and reflection. Those who had the privilege of knowing Earl best shared stories that captured the essence of his journey and the profound impact he has had on the community. The atmosphere was charged with admiration and affection, as the evening paid tribute to the remarkable legacy Earl leaves behind.
The night began with a lively cocktail reception, where guests enjoyed an array of drinks and hors d'oeuvres, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to celebrating a man who has made such a difference in so many lives.
As the program unfolded, a diverse lineup of special guests took the stage to honor Earl. Friends, family members, and notable figures from the community delivered heartfelt stories, witty remarks, and anecdotes, all brimming with love and gratitude. The tributes reflected the vast impact of Earl's career, illustrating the many ways he has touched the lives of those around him.
A particularly poignant moment came with a video montage that offered a nostalgic journey through Earl's life and achievements. Featuring appearances by Earl's father, Earl Fowlkes Sr.; Kenya Hutton, the new CEO/President of the Center for Black Equity; Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQA; Shannon Garçon, Founder of House of Garçon and Co-Chair of the DC Black Pride Advisory Board; Genise Chambers, Owner of Making U Fierce, LLC and Director of Community Engagement at CBE; Elizabeth Birch, Former President of the Human Rights Campaign; Gail Oliver, Executive Director of Damine Ministries; Channing Wickham, Former Executive Director of the Washington AIDS Partnership; and Savanna Wanzer, Creative Director for Transgender Programming at D.C. Black Pride.
This presentation, filled with photos, videos, and cherished memories, painted a vivid picture of a man whose work has not only advanced the mission of CBE but has also fostered a more inclusive and equitable society.
A New Chapter Begins:
As Earl steps down, the Center for Black Equity is in capable hands with Kenya Hutton as the new CEO/President. Kenya, who previously served as the Deputy Director of CBE, is well-prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. With over 20 years of experience as a social justice, equity, HIV prevention, and sexual health advocate, Kenya has been a pivotal voice in addressing the needs of marginalized and disenfranchised communities.
Kenya’s contributions have been particularly significant within the LGBTQ+ community, where he has championed HIV prevention, raised awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ young adults, and supported the House/Ballroom community. His leadership in initiatives like the Capitol Ballroom Council and his efforts to tackle substance use within the community have garnered him numerous accolades.
The retirement of Earl Fowlkes, Jr. signals the end of an era, but it also marks the dawn of a new chapter for the Center for Black Equity. With Kenya Hutton at the helm, the organization is poised to continue its vital work, building on the strong foundation that Earl has laid over the past 25 years. The future of CBE is bright, and Earl Fowlkes, Jr.’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
Earl Fowlkes, Jr. may be retiring, but his influence will continue to shape the Center for Black Equity for years to come. Under Kenya Hutton’s leadership, CBE is set to embark on a new journey, building upon the legacy of a true pioneer in the fight for equality and justice.
An Exclusive Conversation with Kenya Hutton CEO/President of Center for Black Equity:
In a conversation with Kenya about the planning of Earl’s retirement event and his vision for CBE moving forward, he expressed his deep respect for Earl’s legacy and his excitement for the future.
Gaye Magazine: When did you first learn about Earl Fowlkes, Jr.'s plans to retire from his role as CEO/President of CBE?
Kenya: So ironically enough, Earl mentioned it maybe two years ago that he's thinking about retiring. It wasn't something set in stone. He was just in conversation. It was actually right before the pandemic. He said, yeah, I think I'm going to go ahead and retire. Earl has mentioned before many times that he was going to hang it up. And I said, no, you can't leave yet. But around the pandemic time, he said, yeah, he's definitely going to do it. Then something happened Gay. I came on board full time during the pandemic, and I raised a whole bunch of money, and then he said, all right, he'll hang on for a little bit longer.
Earl made an official statement publicly and meant it this time was November of last year, we were at a conference, and I will never forget, we were sitting there at the Black Pride Leadership Summit to be exact. We were sitting next to each other. He left the room and came back and said, I'm going to officially retire. I'm going to really do it. And I said, okay, well, we'll talk about it.
Gaye Magazine: How did you feel when he made that statement to you? Did you even consider that you’d be in line to step into the role of CEO and President?
Kenya: I had mixed feelings—there was a lot of nervousness because Earl has been the Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Equity for 25 years. It wasn’t official, but he hinted at me taking over his role. There was excitement that this was finally happening, but also nervousness about what it means for him to actually retire. What does retirement look like for someone like Earl in this work and for the organization? So, I felt a mix of happiness, excitement, and fear about what the future holds and how this transition will unfold.
Gaye Magazine: Can you share some insights into the planning process for Earl's Retirement Roster? Who was involved in creating it?
Kenya: Yeah, Sure after we had that discussion back in November, he brought it up to the board, and they accepted his retirement letter at the annual meeting last December. I asked him, "So, what do you want to do?" and he said, "I think I want a roast." I asked, "Are you sure? Roasts can be really touchy." But he said, "I love roasts. I watch them all the time." I thought, "You are a real stoic man," but he insisted it would be fun. So, that's what we did. I brought the idea to the board, and once they approved it, I was tasked with organizing everything. I found the venue, arranged the food, selected the roasters, hired the guy to do the video, and coordinated all the interviews that appeared in it, even the one with his dad. I put together the whole event. I saw it as an opportunity to truly show our appreciation for Earl and to do it as nicely as I possibly could.
Gaye Magazine: What role did Earl play in preparing you for this leadership transition?
Kenya: I'm not sure if it was in the video, but there was a brief mention of it. I've known Earl since 2012, and here's a funny story: the first time I met him, I was bartending at the event where the organization's name was changed from the International Federation of Black Pride to the Center for Black Equity. It all ties together, and it’ll make sense in a minute.
They needed a bartender, and at the time, I was dabbling in bartending as a side gig. That was my introduction to him. I had always known of Earl since moving to D.C. and had always wanted to work with DC Black Pride but never got the chance. How Earl prepared me for this role was by recognizing my determination. From the moment we started working together, he saw that I was committed to the organization through its highs and lows. He began preparing me by bringing me along to meet all the key people, introducing me around to the point where I’d walk into meetings and people would say, "Oh yeah, Earl's talked about you."
I think Earl started preparing me a long time ago. He probably foresaw that I might be the one to take over when he retired, so he gradually included me in more and more things. If you remember, he even mentioned that I started taking over the finances and social media, and eventually, it was like, "Why am I even here?" Little by little, he trusted me more, brought me around, and got me increasingly involved. It wasn’t a formal training or onboarding process; it was an ongoing thing over the years. He helped me build my self-efficacy because, even though I’ve been doing this work for so long, I was always more comfortable staying in the background. I wasn’t sure I could handle the responsibility, but Earl really worked with me to build my confidence so I could take on these tasks and execute them well.
Gaye Magazine: How do you think Arrow's Legacy will influence your approach to the leading center of Black Equity?
Kenya: Well, I believe it will have a significant influence because I’m someone who deeply values preserving history. Earl will undoubtedly be remembered as a key figure in Black queer history, alongside others like Dr. Ron Simmons, Mark Colon, and so on. Taking over his role as CEO and President of the Center for Black Equity, as I rebrand and restructure the organization to fit my vision, I’ll still ensure that the core values Earl embodied remain intact. He was someone who stayed clear of scandals, always thought before he spoke, and maintained a high level of respect within the community. That will greatly inform my work—making sure I uphold that same level of respect for the community and ensure I don't tarnish his legacy or the organization.
Gaye Magazine: You mentioned your leadership and how you see the organization, do you have any ideas or strategies or approach that you can share with Gay Magazine that you're thinking about introducing to Center Black Equity?
Kenya: Absolutely. The Center for Black Equity has always technically been an international organization, with members outside of the United States. One of the first things I brought up to the board when we discussed my new role was the importance of strengthening our international work, especially in the area of advocacy—something we’ve never fully focused on before. We’ve traditionally concentrated on the United States, but I want to expand our reach to support our Black and brown LGBTQ siblings globally. How can we assist those in Nigeria, Uganda, the Caribbean, and South America—all the places where homophobia and racism are still pervasive? The Center for Black Equity has an opportunity to use our power and voice to advocate for them as well. This is one of the main initiatives I’ve been working on, especially since Earl’s retirement became official. Expanding our international affairs is something I’m deeply committed to.
Gaye Magazine: Did Earl leave any specific directives or goals for CBE to achieve after retirement?
Kenya: I’d say yes and no. Nothing official, but it’s about understanding Earl. If you know him, you know that his focus was always on preserving the organization’s legacy and maintaining its image within the community. He’s very excited about the opportunity to expand our work, especially in advocacy, where we can have a stronger voice. Earl, with the many hats he’s worn, often had to balance his role at CBE with other commitments, which limited how openly he could speak. I don’t have those same restrictions, so I can be more vocal and active publicly. That’s something Earl is pleased about—that I can make more statements and be more engaged without the concerns he had to navigate.
Gaye Magazine: What has been the most impactful lesson you learned from Earl and how do you plan to apply it to your role?
Kenya: I've learned so many lessons from Earl. One of the biggest is that there’s always room at the table for someone. He taught me to always listen before responding and that you don’t have to be the loudest in the room to be the most impactful. Another key lesson from Earl is to lead with your heart and trust your gut. If I feel strongly about something or see an injustice, it’s my responsibility to use the power I’ve been given to make a change—constantly striving to improve things. Earl also showed me that even when it seems like we’ve achieved our goals, like with marriage equality, there’s always more to be done. He encouraged me to think deeper, to go beyond the surface, and ask, “Who’s still being left out? How can we use our influence to uplift other voices in the community?” These are just a few of the many things I’ve learned from working with Earl over the past 15, 16 years.
Gaye Magazine: How did your previous work in HIV prevention, social justice, and LGBTQ advocacy prepare you for this position?
Kenya: It was funny—during our conversations, I’d mention where I used to work, and Earl would say, "I worked there too." We realized that he’d leave an organization, and then a year or two later, I’d come in. This happened more than once. In fact, at my last job before joining the Center for Black Equity, Earl had been the Executive Director right before me. I was working at Damian Ministries, where Earl had also been a former Executive Director. He had moved from Jersey, where he worked at an organization called Jersey City Connections, to D.C. to work with Damian Ministries. Meanwhile, I left my job in New York, joined Jersey City Connections, and then also moved to D.C., ending up at the same place Earl had worked. It almost felt like we were destined to work together.
Gaye Magazine: How would CBE continue fostering collaborations with international partners in expanding and global reach? I know you touched on that, but can you go in a little more detail?
Kenya: Absolutely. One of the key things I've been focused on is building partnerships with larger global organizations to elevate our work and expand our reach. Often, when organizations talk about global advocacy and social justice, they’re doing great work, but regions like parts of Africa and the Caribbean are frequently left out of the conversation. I’m working to change that by partnering with these global organizations and ensuring that we’re advocating for those underrepresented communities. For instance, just yesterday, I was on a call with people from all over, discussing operations and materials. I had to be the one to insist that the materials shared with us are diverse and inclusive of all communities. It was interesting because no one else brought that up, which reinforced the importance of what I'm trying to do—advocating for those who aren't being heard.
One crucial lesson I’ve learned from Earl is that when I have the privilege to be in these spaces, I need to advocate for everyone around me. But beyond that, when I have the opportunity, I’m going to bring others into the room with me. I told a friend of mine after a recent convention that if I ever get a seat at the table, I’m pulling out a folding chair so you can sit next to me. That’s what I’m committed to—advocating for others and making sure they have the opportunity to advocate for themselves. That’s something Earl taught me, and it’s a principle I live by.
Gaye Magazine: You played a crucial role in Black Pride DC, which has set the standard for Black Pride events across the nation. Now that you're stepping into the CEO and President role, have you decided how you'll manage that responsibility? Or are you planning to pass the baton to someone else, like a deputy director, to take the lead on Black Pride DC?
Kenya: For many years, Earl wore multiple hats as the CBE President and CEO while also running DC Black Pride. It wasn't until I came on board that I showed I had what it took to elevate DC Black Pride and restore it to its former glory. The long-term goal is to find my own "Kenya"—someone who can take over this role. Until then, I'm more than willing to keep wearing the hat to ensure things continue smoothly, especially with World Pride coming up, which kicks off with DC Black Pride. It's crucial that we don't miss a beat. I’ll keep leading until someone steps up who can truly handle it, and then I’ll be more than happy to pass the torch to the next generation.
I already feel like I'm too old for some of this, honestly. Earl did something right when I first came around. People warned him not to work with me because I was a ballroom kid—they told him I’d steal from him. Earl just laughed it off, saying, "All I have is a file cabinet, so if he wants to steal, he can go ahead." Taking that chance on the younger generation was key, and I carry that same mentality. I've been doing this for a while, and I know I'll need to bring in younger voices and new energy. I’m not out at the parties every night like I used to be, so I rely on what I hear from others to shape how I organize DC Black Pride. I’d love to bring in someone younger to take it over for another 10 or 15 years, allowing them to bring fresh ideas and energy.
One thing I refuse to do is hold onto power so tightly that the entity becomes stale or dies. I’m committed to keeping DC Black Pride vibrant and fresh, and I look forward to passing the baton when the time is right.
Gaye Magazine: Can you share anything about what’s planned for DC Black Pride next year, especially since it coincides with World Pride 2025?
Kenya: Yes, so World Pride will be kicking off with DC Black Pride, and let me tell you, I’m crossing my fingers, toes, and everything else—it's going to be an experience unlike anything anyone has ever seen. It’s going to be bigger and better than ever before. Black Pride really needs this, and I’m talking about Black Pride as a whole, not just DC Black Pride, because DC Black Pride is the blueprint. We were the first, and we set the stage for everything that followed.
With this global presence, people from all over the world, of all different races and ages, will be coming to DC to witness what Black queer excellence truly looks like—not just within our community but showcased to the entire world. That’s the vision for next year. It’s going to be off the chain! There’s one thing I’m working on, Aubrey—I can’t say it just yet—but if I can pull this rabbit out of the hat, it’s going to be incredible.
Gaye Magazine: How does Kenya take a break and recharge? With all the work you do with CBE, DC Black Pride, and the ballroom community, how do you find time to unwind and ensure you can give your best?
Kenya: I’m learning to balance work and life better, and I’m about 70% there. I try to turn off my computer at a certain time each night and limit work on weekends. With everything going on—marriage, career, travel—I’ve found that getting away helps me recharge. I love traveling; whether it’s a cross-country drive or a flight to a new destination, it’s my way of relaxing. This year alone, I’ve been to Panama, Mexico, and Colombia. Sometimes, I need to be in a place without the internet to truly unwind.
It was actually my husband who pointed out that I needed a break and took me on a seven-day cruise. With no internet, I finally experienced what it’s like to completely disconnect and recharge. That’s how I manage to keep my energy up—by taking time to travel and get away from it all. In fact, I’m currently on the road and pulled over just to do this interview because my internet at my destination is really spotty.
Gaye Magazine: What would you like our readers to understand about Kenya, Earl, CBE, and DC Black Pride, if you could summarize it all?
Kenya: We're all family here. At the Center for Black Equity and DC Black Pride, we want you to know that you have a place and a voice in the work we do. Earl and I, and everyone here, are here for you. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and equality, not necessarily better than others, but as equals. So don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Whether it’s through the Center for Black Equity or DC Black Pride, we're here to support you. Contact us anytime—I'll personally respond. Remember, the Center for Black Equity and DC Black Pride are your organizations and your events.
We're all part of the same family.
Gaye Magazine: How can someone get involved, volunteer, or support the Center for Black Equity?
Kenya: Absolutely. We’re always looking for people to join us, whether it’s for work or volunteering. You can reach out through our websites, CenterForBlackEquity.org or DCBlackPride.org. I'm pretty straightforward—just search for Kenya Hutton on any platform, and you’ll find me. Don’t be intimidated; I respond to everyone personally. I don’t pass messages off to staff. If you reach out, I’ll get back to you myself. So, feel free to get in touch!
In closing, Kenya reflects on his journey and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
"I’ve always said that I want to create a world that's better for those who come after me—one that's improved from the world I experienced growing up as a young Caribbean gay kid in Flatbush, Brooklyn. My goal is to ensure that the world I leave behind is more welcoming for those like the younger version of myself who struggled with being gay. I have a nephew, a 19-year-old who’s gay, and when he told me about his experience, I reassured him about dealing with bullies and negativity. His response was incredible—he said that no one bothers him, and if anyone does, his friends have his back. It’s amazing to see how much the world is changing for the better.
That’s what I want for future generations: to empower them and continue pushing for progress. We can’t let up; if we do, we risk reversing the progress we've made. It’s crucial to keep moving forward, making things better for each new generation. That’s the legacy I hope to leave."
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