Affinity Community Services

: The look of joy on your face because you're *almost* at capacity for Burning Bowl 2026. (Reserve your spot ASAP at bit.ly/BurningBowl2026 (case-sensitive).)

The sounds of excitement and pure dedication planning a beautiful gathering for our Affinity community, friends, family, and guests. Props to the Burning Bowl Planning Committee, The Kaya Kollection, our fierce Committee Chair and Event Planner; Phyllis Johnson; Jo Lewis; and Kelly Suzanne Saulsberry.

The waves of joy, anticipation, and open-heartedness felt amid the "Waves of Resistance & Resilience," this year's Burning Bowl theme.

Please join us for this long-honored Affinity celebration on Sunday, March 22, at 1pm at UIC Student Center West, 828 S Wolcott Avenue.

In the meantime, we're rolling out the lineup this week. We've held you in suspense long enough. :-)

📧 bit.ly/BurningBowl2026 (case-sensitive)
📆 Sunday, March 22, from 1-4pm
📍UIC Student Center West, 828 S Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL
♿️ The venue is wheelchair accessible.
🚾 All-gender restrooms will be available.
🅿️ Metered street parking and paid parking lots on campus are available. You can view the location here: https://bit.ly/4hbUmVX

: Good Evening, Affinity Friends!

In addition to March being Women's History Month, it's Affinity Burning Bowl Month! We posted a Save-the-Date slightly over a month ago, so we hope we're on your calendars!

Burning Bowl's theme this year is "Waves of Resistance & Resilience." Considering the unrelenting political violence and upheaval across our nation, resistance is often viewed in political terms, but it can hold many meanings and take on many forms.

Resistance can mean refusing to succumb to defeat and cynicism, declining requests and demands that drain us and trespass healthy boundaries, deciding to take a break during the workday instead of "powering through," and reaching out to friends and family instead of doom-scrolling on social media.

These acts of resistance, whether big or small, are our opportunities for strengthened resilience, spiritual renewal, and deeper connection with ourselves and others.

Burning Bowl, a long-honored Affinity tradition, centers reflection, renewal, and community connection that helps us clarify intentions, release old habits that get in our way, and set goals for our next chapter. We also recognize individuals for their outstanding service within Black LGBTQ communities with the Barbara "Robbie" Smith Award of Excellence, and community members share their aspirations and ideas for future Affinity programs and initiatives.

So, join us on Sunday, March 22, for a celebratory gathering with delicious food and music! We have a wonderful program lined up, so stay tuned. All people of all ages are welcome!

RSVP at bit.ly/BurningBowl2026 (case-sensitive) or at the QR code on the flyer by Thursday, March 19, at 5pm CST.

Thanks, and see you soon!

📆 Sunday, March 22, from 1-4pm
📍UIC Student Center West, 828 S Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL
♿️ The venue is wheelchair accessible.
🚾 All-gender restrooms will be available.
🅿️ Metered street parking and paid parking lots on campus are available. You can view the location here: https://bit.ly/4hbUmVX