Founded in 1988, ZAMI NOBLA’s (National Association of Black Lesbians on Aging)— the not for profit collective of lesbians of African descent resides in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. ZAMI’s primary mission is to empower and affirm the lives of lesbians of color through providing advocacy, scholarship funds, leadership development, support/discussion groups, social activities, outreach and education.


Yet, the origin of the organization began October 1989, a Women of Color Caucus (WOCC) created by lesbian members of the African American lesbian and Gay Alliance (AALGA) to focus on their political, social, economic and personal needs. The name ZAMI also honors the late Audre Lorde, a Black lesbian feminist, who was Poet Laureate for New York State and who wrote the biomythography ZAMI: A New Spelling of My Name. Ever evolving, these women renamed themselves ZAMI— A Carriacou word meaning women who work together as friends and lovers.


Historically, ZAMI provides a support base of discussion, information and programming for lesbians of African descent in the Atlanta area. The organization is popularly acknowledged for their Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund and works in the local and metro Atlanta area.