GRIOT Circle, Inc.

GRIOT Circle, Inc. GRIOT Circle provides support and advocacy to LGBTQ older adults of color

Join us for an informative conversation with Pharmacist Adesayo Akinsanya, who will be available to provide guidance, an...
03/16/2026

Join us for an informative conversation with Pharmacist Adesayo Akinsanya, who will be available to provide guidance, answer your questions, and address any concerns related to your overall health and wellness.

This is a great opportunity to gain trusted insights, learn practical tips, and have open discussions about maintaining and improving your well-being in a supportive environment.

Date: Tuesday, March 24th
Time: 1:30PM-3:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor

Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

What better way to enjoy a rainy day than painting with friends? This Thursday, members enjoyed a relaxing afternoon cre...
03/13/2026

What better way to enjoy a rainy day than painting with friends? This Thursday, members enjoyed a relaxing afternoon creating African masks, which are now proudly displayed in our space.

Join us for more fun activities and creative experiences! To learn more about GRIOT Circle’s daily programming and upcoming events, please email, Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org for more information!

Join us for an After Dark Paint & Sip (mocktails) class with instructor Dave Johnson. Relax, unwind, and get creative wh...
03/12/2026

Join us for an After Dark Paint & Sip (mocktails) class with instructor Dave Johnson. Relax, unwind, and get creative while enjoying a fun evening with fellow members. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just picking up a brush for the first time, this guided session is the perfect way to socialize and express your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere.

All supplies are provided!

Date: Monday, March 23rd
Time: 4:00PM-6:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd floor

Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

🎬 Join us at BAM for a special morning movie showing of The Woman King.The Woman King tells the powerful true story of t...
03/10/2026

🎬 Join us at BAM for a special morning movie showing of The Woman King.

The Woman King tells the powerful true story of the Agojie, an all-female warrior army of the 19th-century Kingdom of Dahomey. Led by the fearless General Nanisca (Viola Davis), a new generation of warriors is trained to defend their kingdom with courage, strength, and honor.

Date: Friday, March 20th
Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY (Peter Jay Sharp Building)

Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

Happ Women’s Month! 🌍✨Join GRIOT for one of our legacy programs, Book Club with Tasha Ford.This month, members will expl...
03/09/2026

Happ Women’s Month! 🌍✨

Join GRIOT for one of our legacy programs, Book Club with Tasha Ford.

This month, members will explore Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde, a powerful collection of essays and speeches that examines identity, power, difference, and survival through the lived experiences of a Black feminist poet. 📚

Interested in joining? Email our Program Coordinator, Melissa Parke.

Date: Tuesdays
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor

One of our long-standing programs, Woodcarving 101 with Don Quigley, continues to bring members together to learn and pr...
03/06/2026

One of our long-standing programs, Woodcarving 101 with Don Quigley, continues to bring members together to learn and practice the art of woodcarving. Don has been a dedicated member for many years and enjoys sharing his knowledge, helping others develop their carving skills and techniques.

Here are some of our current members’ woodcarving projects, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship being developed in the program.

Interested in learning the art of woodcarving?

📧 Email our Program Coordinator, Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to sign up!

We’re proud to highlight our partner, Access Justice Brooklyn, and their work supporting seniors across Brooklyn through...
03/04/2026

We’re proud to highlight our partner, Access Justice Brooklyn, and their work supporting seniors across Brooklyn through the NGF Senior LEAP program. 💙

Their staff and volunteers visit senior centers, community centers, and faith-based organizations throughout Brooklyn — and virtually — to provide free legal education presentations and FAQ sessions on topics including:

✔️ Wills, Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Proxies
✔️ Foreclosure, deed theft & home repair scams
✔️ Consumer debt & debt collection

Each session includes a Q&A to address seniors’ concerns, and eligible participants may schedule follow-up appointments for individual legal assistance.

📅 Interested in scheduling an NGF Senior LEAP presentation?
Contact Eloy Ruiz, Pro Bono Coordinator
📞 (718) 473-9207
📧 eloy@accessjusticebk.org

Advocacy Presentation: How we can win healthcare for all. Join us for a short film and discussion about the New York Hea...
03/03/2026

Advocacy Presentation: How we can win healthcare for all.

Join us for a short film and discussion about the New York Health Act, a life-saving bill in Albany that will provide comprehensive healthcare for all New Yorkers- including dental, vision and long-term care.

Panel Members: Morgan Moore, Executive Director, Physicians for a national health program (PNHP) NY Metro Chapter; Dr. Roona Ray, MD, MPH, Family physician, Queens; Vice Chair PNHP NY Metro Chapter; Julie Schwartzberg, cross-union retirees organizing committee (CROC NYC)

Date: Friday, March 6th
Time: 12:30PM- 2:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor
Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

GRIOT Circle was proud to collaborate with and host Audre Lorde Project in celebration of Audre Lorde’s 92nd birthday on...
03/02/2026

GRIOT Circle was proud to collaborate with and host Audre Lorde Project in celebration of Audre Lorde’s 92nd birthday on February 21st.

This special gathering invited QTBIPOC community members to come together in creativity, connection, and collective care. The Audre Lorde Project led a powerful Freedom Zine workshop, speed-friending, and guided reflections centered on safety, resistance, and liberation. Attendees also enjoyed free individual healing sessions, including Reiki, acupuncture, massage, tarot readings, and personalized tea blending.

In honor of Audre Lorde’s enduring legacy, a community altar was created, and participants were encouraged to bring an item that resonated with her life and work.

Our members truly enjoyed being in community while celebrating Audre Lorde’s birthday and legacy. They created their own zines, participated in guided reflections, and experienced meaningful healing sessions. It was truly a beautiful and affirming event.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration so special.

Sewing Demo with Julie RamineJoin us for an introductory sewing class with Julie! Participants will learn the basics of ...
03/02/2026

Sewing Demo with Julie Ramine

Join us for an introductory sewing class with Julie! Participants will learn the basics of sewing, including hand stitching, threading a needle, measuring and cutting fabric, and simple seam techniques. By the end of the class, you will have the foundational skills needed to begin creating your own piece. No prior experience is needed.

Date: Thursday, March 5th
Time: 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor

Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

Join us for Tai Chi with Arthur Douse!Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact practice rooted in ancient China that supports bal...
02/27/2026

Join us for Tai Chi with Arthur Douse!

Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact practice rooted in ancient China that supports balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Designed especially for older adults, this class promotes physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being in a calm and welcoming environment.

Through slow, flowing movements and mindful breathing, participants can improve stability, reduce stress, and enhance overall vitality. Regular practice may help ease chronic pain, reduce anxiety, and support greater confidence in everyday movement.

Come experience the many benefits of Tai Chi and take a positive step toward a healthier, more balanced you!

Date: Monday, March 2nd
Time: 2:00PM-3:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd floor

Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org

Last week, members who are part of the Buddy-to-Buddy program at GRIOT Circle had the opportunity to take part in a prof...
02/25/2026

Last week, members who are part of the Buddy-to-Buddy program at GRIOT Circle had the opportunity to take part in a professional photoshoot led by photographer and GRIOT member Dorothy Francis.

It was a wonderful celebration filled with life and laughter.

If you are interested in joining the Buddy-to-Buddy program, please email melissa@griotcircle.org for more information.

Address

New York, NY
11217

Telephone

+17182462775

Website

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History

GRIOT (Gay Reunion In Our Time) Circle was founded as an informal gathering of elders and was officially recognized as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1996. GRIOT Circle remains the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of elder LGBTQ people of color.

Most of our members reside in New York’s metropolitan area, though GRIOT has members throughout the country. Nearly all our members are from modest-to-low income households; more than 50% are retired; and about 90% identify as black, African American or Caribbean American.

We provide emotional support and quality programming that affirm the lives of this often invisible and marginalized population. GRIOT is committed to honoring and preserving our histories and traditions while reuniting those parts of our selves that have been fragmented by racism and homophobia. We maintain a space, free of discrimination based on age, gender, race, sexuality, spirituality, and ethnic origin. Everyone is welcome.