About Us
The House of Blahnik (HOB) was founded in 2000 by a group of African American and Latino gay and transgender persons whose interest was to form a national social-network of progressive, supportive and creative individuals geared to developing and garnishing the talents/gifts of the “house/ball” community.
The HOB is a nationally recognized lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community provider who specializes in the performing arts, specifically using its creative talent in the area of health promotion and disease prevention. The HOB has grown from its’ original 12 members, to more than 150. The HOB has chapters based throughout the US – in the following cities and states: Los Angeles, CA; Washington DC; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Baltimore, MD; Detroit, MI; Buffalo, NY; New York, NY; Cleveland, OH; Philadelphia, PA; North & South Carolina; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX, and our membership reside in many other urban, suburban and rural areas in the United States.
What Makes Blahnik A Success: The Three
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Ourselves
We believe wholeheartedly in our own abilities. We deem our challenges as our unique defining characteristics that attribute to our specialness. We always conduct ourselves with integrity. We understand that our lives have endless possibilities and collectively we can overcome the impossible. In us lie hope and an immeasurable amount of courage!
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Family
We want the HOB to be the best family and organization ever assembled! We must be extraordinarily caring, like extensions of our own biological families. We must be supportive in times of personal difficulty, create opportunities for personal, professional and social growth, and always make an effort to listen to your brothers and sisters. Every family member will be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
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Community
We believe great houses have a moral core. We care deeply about our communities and we demonstrate this commitment by vanquishing negative unwarranted energy towards others. We respect others and what they are trying to achieve. We believe in difference and not superiority. All of us are ethical and honest.
OUR HOUSE COLORS
Red- represents the struggles faced and the blood shed by our ancestors in the name of freedom and equality. It is a constant reminder to honor the legacy of our forefathers and the need to work collectively toward achieving our shared goals. The House of Blahnik recognizes that its’ members have the same blood flowing through their vein; one that is rich in pride, loyalty and hope.
Grey- represents individuality. It is not race, ethnicity, creed, or religion that makes an individual special. It is the innate qualities that one possesses that create his/her own unique character. The House of Blahnik celebrates the diversity within our family.
2013 HOUSE OF BLAHNIK LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Chairman- Stephaun E. Wallace, MS
Treasurer- Anthony Fox, MS
Member- Marlon Bailey, Ph.D, MFA
Member- Julie Rosado, MOL
CEO- Damon L. Humes, MHS
Corporate Officers
Executive Director- Damon L. Humes/Jay Blahnik
Managing Director- Lawrence Frazier
Co-Associate Director, Ballroom Division- Kamaro Blahnik
Co-Associate Director, Ballroom Division- Tempress Blahnik
Organizational Leadership
Founding Father- Icon Jay Blahnik
Overall Mother- Legendary Tempress Blahnik
Overall Father- Legendary Kamaro Blahnik
Overall Godmother- Icon Aura Blahnik
Overall Godfather- Legendary Terrance Blahnik
Overall Mother WBT- Legendary Lady Blahnik
Carolinas Overseer- Hypnotic Blahnik
Detroit Father- Legendary Tokeyo Blahnik
Detroit Mother- Kieira Blahnik
DMV Mother- Legendary Tia Blahnik
DMV WBT Mother- Bunni Blahnik
Florida Mother- Legendary Jasmine Blahnik
Gulf Coast Overseer- Dexx Blahnik
Los Angeles Father- Jamari “Ninja” Blahnik
Philly Father- Legendary Fuzzy Blahnik
Philly Mother- Legendary Aneesa Blahnik
Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana Mother- Zsa Zsa Blahnik
Western NY Father- Legendary Stephaun Blahnik
Western NY Overseer- Blue Blahnik
Western NY Overseer- Arianna (DeMarkis) Blahnik
*WBT- Women, Butch, & Transmen scene