Disco & Discourse - Raise Your Voice

This unforgettable afternoon will feature a show-stopping performance by disco legend Martha Wash, whose iconic voice has powered generations to dance, dream, and live authentically. Guests will also experience a powerful and thought-provoking panel conversation with renowned scholar and activist Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Christopher Phillips, exploring the intersections of voice, identity, justice, and liberation. Entertainment will be provided by the one and only legendary Martha Wash. Enjoy a vibrant brunch, community connection, and a program that uplifts the courage it takes to live openly and boldly. Together, we’ll raise our voices and critical funds to ensure LGBTQ+ youth have a safe place to land, heal, and thrive.

Come dressed in your best disco attire!

For sponsorship opportunities, please see our Disco & Discourse Sponsorship Package.

Disco & Discourse: Event Program

• 10:00 AM - Doors Open & Brunch Begins
• 11:00 AM - Opening Remarks
• 11:05 AM - Disco & Discourse: A Conversation with Dr. Cornel West & Dr. Christopher Phillips
• 11:35 AM - Thrive Youth Center: Celebrating Our Impact & Looking Ahead
• 11:45 AM - Awards
• 12:15 PM - Live Performance by Martha Wash
• 1:00 PM - Event Concludes

Meet the Voices of Disco & Discourse

Dr. Christopher Phillips

Dr. Christopher Phillips is the founder of Socrates Café, a global grassroots initiative that brings people together for meaningful dialogue and deeper understanding across differences. He is an author of numerous books on philosophy, including Socrates Café and Constitution Café, with his work translated into nearly 15 languages.

A scholar, educator, and advocate for civil discourse, Dr. Phillips has held fellowships at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania and has served in educational roles at the National Constitution Center. His work centers on creating spaces where curiosity, compassion, and thoughtful conversation can bring people together.

Dr. Cornel West

Dr. Cornel West, warmly known as Brother West, is a renowned philosopher, scholar, author, and public intellectual who serves as the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary. His work explores philosophy, religion, race, politics, culture, and the enduring pursuit of truth, love, and justice.

A graduate of Harvard and Princeton, Dr. West is the author of more than 20 books, including the acclaimed Race Matters, Democracy Matters, and Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. Throughout his career, he has engaged audiences across generations in conversations about democracy, freedom, justice, and what it means to live with courage and compassion.

Martha Wash

Two-time Grammy-nominated vocalist, producer, and music icon Martha Wash has been captivating audiences for decades with her powerhouse voice and unmistakable presence. A defining voice of disco and dance music, Martha first rose to prominence performing with Sylvester before becoming one half of The Weather Girls, whose global hit “It’s Raining Men” became an enduring dance-floor classic.

Her remarkable career includes 14 #1 hits, including the iconic “Everybody Dance Now” with C+C Music Factory, and decades of groundbreaking work as a solo artist. Beyond music, Martha is a passionate advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS and has supported organizations serving individuals and families affected by autism.

With her unmistakable voice, infectious energy, and decades of contributions to dance music and queer culture, Martha Wash continues to prove that the beat and the joy go on.