Alicia J. Skillman first African American to head the organization
DETROIT, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Though her vita speaks largely to her
legal pedigree, Alicia J. Skillman has spent just as much time championing
causes. Whether it be mentoring young people, building homes for the less
fortunate, or taking up the fight for fair housing, civil and equal rights,
Skillman has devoted much of her adult life to helping break down barriers.
So it is hardly a stretch for Skillman to transfer both backgrounds into
her new title as executive director of the Triangle Foundation---while at the
same time, making history in assuming the post. She is the first African
American to hold the position.
"Alicia comes with a proven track record of successes and has been a
friend and supporter of the Triangle Foundation for many years," said Roland
Smith, chair of the Triangle Foundation Board. "This is a very exciting time
in our history and we look forward to the community at large embracing this
dynamic leadership."
The Triangle Foundation is Michigan's foremost statewide, civil rights
organization and is a leader in effective, innovative and visionary grassroots
organizing and advocacy for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
community. Triangle Foundation was founded after a small group of LGBT
community leaders realized that there were no effective advocates in Michigan
for victims of LGBT related hate crimes.
Skillman will oversee a $1 million budget and 10 employees. Besides
growing the size and profile of the organization, her primary goal is getting
the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act amended to protect the LGBT community.
"Contrary to what many believe, the Act doesn't protect our community
against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations," said
Skillman. "I think most people mistakenly believe that we're protected."
Skillman also wants to increase awareness of the face of the LGBT
community, which she said most people traditionally view simply as white
males.
"This struggle for equal rights has been so hard because people are afraid
of who they don't know," said Skillman. "But guess what? You already know us.
We are your family, friends and co-workers."
According to the 2000 United States Census, there are more than 15,000
LGBT households in Michigan, living in every county in the State. This number
is thought to be underestimated by as much as 62 percent because many people
will not identify themselves as LGBT. For more information about the Triangle
Foundation, contact the organization at 313.537.7000 or through the
organization's web site at www.tri.org .
