Homosexuality in the African-American family was topic of discussion for a small group Wednesday night.

J. Herman Blake, director of ISU’s African American Studies program, spoke about homosexuality in his family at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

Blake said his brother and daughter are both homosexual and married to their partners, and are accepted by Blake and his family.

“I’m just proud they are strong enough to stand up for who they are,” Blake said.

Patricia Coleman, junior in sociology, organized the discussion with Blake.

“Homosexuality is something not typically talked about in the African American community,” she said. “Dr. Blake’s take on it is much different than some African American families.”

Blake said those who are gay and African American have multiple visions about the human experience, allowing them to understand what others do not.

He plans to write an essay in which he will try to understand people who have been victimized for being who they are.

“I want to talk about the missing elements of the family; those loved ones who could not be accepted because of their lifestyle,” he said.

Joy Nash, freshman in civil engineering, attended the lecture.

“I came because I haven’t heard many African Americans speak about their views on homosexuality,” she said.

Blake finished by urging people to recognize the values and insights of their experiences and to promote it within their communities.

“Don’t join the mainstream, make the mainstream come to you,” Blake said.

Jessica Oftelie, graduate student in mathematics who attended Blake’s lecture, said “I like to hear other people’s views on being homosexual around your family.”

Other students came to learn and support their friends.

Rachel Rysdam, senior in Child and Family Services said, “I have friends who are lesbians and so I want to learn about their lifestyle so I can support them.