We seem to keep hearing about how 50 is the new 40 and 40 is the new 30 and so on. Perhaps the point might just be an attempt at halting a level of ageism that fails to honor and benefit from an aging population with so much more to offer than just baking cookies and knitting doilies.
As science progresses and we learn more about living longer, healthier lives filled with vitality – that is exactly what’s happening. Folks over 50 are becoming bodybuilders, pickleball champions, yoga instructors, social media influencers and of course, the keepers of our illustrious LGBTQ+ history. That’s good, because these components are keys to community.
As human beings, sometimes referred to as pack animals, we need each other. Sometimes however, in this climate of “do whatever it takes to stay young” or at least appear that way and feeling cast aside once employment contributions have ceased, it’s not always easy to find connections that affirm and value age and experience over youth and, well, everything else.
Fortunately, for aging Black lesbians living in North Carolina there’s an organization filling the gap between the two while offering its members experiences that nourish, uplift and give back in life sustaining ways. It’s called ZAMI NOBLA (National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging).
“Deeply Rooted in Atlanta, Georgia with a national reach, ZAMI NOBLA is a membership-based organization committed to building a base of power for Black lesbians over the age of 40 living anywhere in the country,” Paying homage to Audre Lorde (Poet, Activist and author of ZAMI: A New Spelling of My Name), the organization was born in Atlanta and birthed by Mary Anne Adams – the organization’s founder and Executive Director.
In 2011, Adams, a Metro Atlanta community activist, social worker and public health research professional, noticed that in increasing numbers, many Black lesbians older than age 50 were beginning to disappear from community-based activities and organizations. She wondered if health issues, the youth-oriented LGBTQ+ culture, or racialized ageism might be to blame. In response and in an effort to increase opportunities for networking and social support, and to explore the healthcare needs and coping strategies, Adams founded ZAMI NOBLA. By 2015, what started out as social media networking and outreach effort became an official 501c3 non-profit organization. Today, ZAMI NOBLA has expanded beyond Georgia with a burgeoning North Carolina Chapter and more on the rise. Interest and excitement for what the organization offers prompted a decrease in the 50-year-old age requirement for members to 40.
The organization’s North Carolina Chapter is currently home to 30 paid members that include many Northeastern transplants and a sprinkling of native North Carolinians statewide. At the helm is Leland, North Carolina resident Janyce Jackson Jones. Jones is a founding member of the organization’s North Carolina State Chapter [formed in the summer of 2021] and currently serves as President.
Jones was born in Florida, reared in Brooklyn, New York and lived for many years in Newark New Jersey. Along with her life partner of 14 years, she relocated to North Carolina in 2016. A quintessential advocate who has served as a pastor [Newark’s Unity Fellowship Church], community volunteer and board member for organizations like SAGE Wilmington and the NAACP Jones also felt a void in services, support and representation of the mature Black LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina.
These days, it’s clear her efforts have brought about substantial and positive change. Her knack for organizing and motivating has made a difference in the lives of local Black lesbians, diminishing a void that is not nearly as prominent as it previously was.
Jones eagerly shares what it’s like being President of the organization’s North Carolina Chapter: “Overall, it is one of the most rewarding things that I’ve done in my life. Mainly because I receive as much or more than I give in keeping the organization afloat. It’s awesome. I get to meet new women, new Black lesbian women. I really wanted to start this chapter because in the area that I live in there’s not an abundance of Black lesbian groups or support for Black lesbians over the age of 40. So, it was a selfish idea that selflessly serves others, and we need each other.” Though technically retired, Jones continued to say that serving as the NC Chapter President is work, which requires her to keep a keen eye on her time management and adhering to her schedule of presidential duties and activities.
Activities are a leading component of ZAMI NOBLA. The NC Chapter offers members monthly Potlucks – with locations often rotating through the homes of members who host them. At those times, the women gather to socialize, support each other, dance and dine. The group also has access to fishing trips, and as well as online and in person events focused on staying abreast of inclusive language, wellness and community activism, affordable housing and research projects centered on identifying the needs of aging Black lesbians’ health and wellness.
It truly seems to be a resource the women are sincerely enjoying. One such member is Kim M., one of the group’s Northeastern transplants. She joined ZAMI NOBLA shortly after losing her beloved older sister and explained, “She helped raise me. I moved here to Concord to be with her and her family, and lost her in 2022 on Christmas day. I joined ZAMI NOBLA a few months later and now have so many sisters. So, my major loss also became gain – though there’s no way to ever replace my sister.” She went on to say, “[the group] almost feels like a sorority for mature Black lesbians. It’s like family and so much more than a meetup group.”
Sharon Harley, originally from Brooklyn, New York has been a member of ZAMI NOBLA’s NC Chapter for two years, with no plans of leaving any time soon. For Harley also, the group offers a sisterhood that offers safety and affirmation. “I feel so secure. Everyone has a part to play and I’m enjoying these women and the roles they play in our gatherings and our lives.” Harley’s wife Jacqueline Marshall is a board member with the organization and equally enthusiastic about the organization’s mission, activities and ability to bring women together in an empowering manner.
The organization’s members have so much to offer each other and community, presenting opportunities for internal networking and more. With members who have had [or currently have] careers in such fields as professional life coaches, performance artists, marketing professionals, public health researchers, clergy and culinary artists – just to name a few – ZAMI NOBLA can look inward first when arranging events like webinars, in person presentations and guidance on health, wellness and advocacy.
It’s quite possible that might just be the reason why – even though the NC chapter currently has a modest membership of 30 paid members – their gatherings often exceed that number.
As chapter president, Jones is acutely aware of the importance for growth in the organization. “I’d like to see our membership grow throughout the state,” she explains, “involving and connecting more women. When we come together, we often realize that many of us have the same needs and desires and that things are more doable than we think.”