Curtis Lipscomb-KICk

Founder and Executive Director of KICK – The Agency for LGBT African Americans Curtis Lipscomb is a long time resident of Detroit and has long remained active in community relations. Lipscomb has been involved with numerous non-profit organizations for over fifteen years; with a particular involvement with organizations tailored in advocacy for the lesbian, gay, bi-attractional and transgender (LGBT)

community

Most recently, Lipscomb has successfully led the board of directors of KICK – The Agency for LGBT African Americans in board development training over a two-year period, with funds awarded from Arcus Foundation and The Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan.

KICK is a member-supported 501(c)(3) Michigan non-profit. Its mission is to bring awareness of and support

to Detroit’s dynamic LGBT culture through education and advocacy with integrity and pride. A board of eight

volunteer members, who identify as LGBT persons, creates and operates free educational and advocacy

programs, activities and services. KICK is located in Tech Town District at The Center In Detroit.

Lipscomb is also co-founder of DBGPride, Inc (presently Black Pride Society) The Black Pride Society is committed to promoting and nurturing pride among black same gender loving, gay, lesbian, bi-attractional and transgender people of African descent in Southeast Michigan and beyond through the celebration of culture, self-identity and empowerment. Black Pride Society organizes Hotter Than July! (HTJ). HTJ is the oldest black LGBT pride celebration in the Midwest United States. Lipscomb last held the position of vice-president, with the primary function of securing funding for the weeklong celebration, in order to provide free access for participants to key event.

Curtis Lipscomb was the development director for AIDS Partnership Michigan (APM) and AIDS Walk Michigan (AWM). APM is Michigan’s largest and the nation’s third oldest AIDS service organization with an annual budget of about 2.5 million. APM operates the following: case management, prevention & education, behavioral health, and a federally funded peer-to-peer program. AWM is the nation’s only statewide AIDS Walk with sites in eight communities (Grand Rapids, Lansing, Traverse City, Mt. Pleasant, Flint, Ann Arbor and Jackson). In several capacities, Lipscomb has been a staff member for both organizations over 10 years.