Sharon J. Lettman Named Executive Director of NBJC

(Oct. 5)The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the only civil rights organization dedicated to empowering black queer persons and ending racism and homophobia, announced that Sharon J. Lettman would serve as the organization’s new Executive Director.

"What has always drawn me to this work, and to the people I've been proud to stand alongside, is the knowledge that we must work together to create the better future we seek," Lettman said. "In my new role at NBJC, that means lifting the voices of our community, building bridges so that all who experience discrimination can understand the common ground we share, and walking across those bridges together in greater and greater numbers toward equal rights for all."

Lettman joins the NBJC after 8 years at People for the American Way (PFAW).  Most recently she served as Executive Vice President for Leadership Programs and External Affairs at PFAW and PAWF and oversaw the organizations’ leadership programs including the Young Officials Network and African American Religious Affairs.

Her experience and belief in religious freedom and the separation of church and state gave her the insight to expand the agenda of the African American Religious Affairs programs which countered right-wing efforts in black communities, especially around LGBT equality.

NBJC's Board of Directors appointed Lettman after conducting a thorough national search.

"Sharon Lettman has a stellar track record in social justice and knows how to unite diverse interests to benefit the greater good," NBJC Board Chair Kylar Broadus said.  "I am confident that her vision and leadership will ensure NBJC is equipped to handle the unique challenges of today's social climate, and move us towards our ultimate goal of full equality.”

Lettman’s appointment has received praise from advocates of queer rights from around the nation.

“I am thrilled to welcome Sharon as the new Executive Director of the NBJC,” Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said. 

“Far too often racism still exists in our society, including in the LGBT community, and if we are going to achieve the equality we strive for- it will be once we all realize that we are brothers and sisters in this struggle.  Sharon Lettman is the right person to help all of us realize that we are stronger together than we are divided."

Civil Rights activist and former chairwoman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights Mary Frances Berry said, "Having witnessed Lettman’s leadership firsthand while she led key initiatives at PFAW, I am certain she has the ability to unify families and our community and succeed in her goal to establish a common ground around black LGBT issues.”

Ending homophobia in the black community has been a hallmark of Lettman’s career.

"We must bring our families together," Lettman said. "Gay and transgender people are our children, our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, parents, co-workers and friends.  They are a vital part of the black community, and it is time for everyone to recognize the real issues we all face when our brothers and sisters are denied full participation in the life of our community.”

Lettman succeeds Alexander Robinson, who led NBJC for five years. Dr. Sylvia Rhue had been serving as the Interim Executive Director since Robinson's departure in June 2009.

Lettman is also on the board of directors for National Stonewall Democrats.

Lettman resides in the Washington, DC area and recently married a Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, who returned this past July from a tour of duty in Balad, Iraq.

Founded in 2003, NBJC has been the United States’ authoritative source on LGBT issues as they affect Black communities.