Russell E. Thornhill ’13, ‘14 (Los Angeles, BA in Liberals Studies; MA in Organizational Management) is featured in the Los Angeles Black Oral History project with 14 other community leaders.
Spearheaded by the UCLA Center for Oral Histories Research, the Stories from Los Angeles Black LGBTQ Community Leaders project captures narratives from Black LGBTQ community members on their responses to the AIDS pandemic. This two-year oral history project will include the story of Rev. Thornhill, a Black Gay father and grandfather, shedding light on his activism and spiritual journey in South Los Angeles during the AIDS pandemic.
In January 1990, Rev. Thornhill joined the Unity Fellowship of Christ Church and the Minority AIDS Project in South Los Angeles. He pastored the landmark church and served as CEO of the Minority AIDS Project (MAP). Thornhill is also a faculty member in Antioch’s Undergraduate Studies Department and the Co-Director of The Bridge Program.
“Sharing our stories is crucial for understanding personal histories that might otherwise be lost to history books,” said Rev. Thornhill. “By documenting the experiences of the fifteen individuals featured in this project, future generations will be able to recognize and appreciate their contributions. However, many others who passed away during the pandemic did not have the chance to share their stories. Their stories are remembered and live on with each of us.”
The 2024 Circa Festival takes place on Sunday, October 20, at 5:00 PM at the Magic Johnson Park in South Los Angeles.
