School Of Opulence

School Of Opulence A safe space where black and brown LGBTQIA+ can become the best version of themselves through health and well-being.

šŸ‘‘ BLACK PRIDE. BLACK EXCELLENCE. BLACK JOY. šŸ–¤āœØJoin us for the Second Annual Kankakee Opulence Drag R***e: Black Pride Ed...
06/10/2026

šŸ‘‘ BLACK PRIDE. BLACK EXCELLENCE. BLACK JOY. šŸ–¤āœØ
Join us for the Second Annual Kankakee Opulence Drag R***e: Black Pride Edition as we continue building intentional spaces where Q***r and Trans People of Color are celebrated, affirmed, and empowered. šŸŒˆāœŠšŸ¾šŸ”„
A year ago, we made history.
This year, weā€™re building legacy.
The School of Opulence proudly presents the Second Annual Kankakee Opulence Drag R***e: Black Pride Editionā€”an intentional celebration of Black LGBTQ+ excellence, artistry, wellness, and community.
In a world where Q***r and Trans People of Color are too often pushed to the margins, we are creating spaces where our joy is centered, our culture is celebrated, and our community is empowered.
This isnā€™t just a drag show.
This is Black Pride.
This is community.
This is visibility.
This is liberation.
And weā€™re proud to host this celebration in one of Kankakeeā€™s Black-owned venues, continuing our commitment to building spaces where Black q***r people can gather, connect, heal, and thrive.
āœØ THE SCHOOL OF OPULENCE PRESENTS āœØ
šŸ–¤ KANKAKEEā€™S OPULENCE DRAG R***E
šŸ–¤ BLACK PRIDE EDITION
šŸ–¤ A TGD Wellness Initiative
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The Venuā€™ Lounge
171 S. Schuyler Ave.
Kankakee, IL 60901
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Show Starts: 8:00 PM
Hosted by the incomparable Christian Valentino
Featuring electrifying performances by:
āœØ Amalia Black
āœØ Stassi Doll
āœØ Dymond V. Cassidine
FREE ENTRY
FREE FOOD
FREE DRINK TICKETS
All with a sexual health and wellness screening.
This event represents more than entertainment. It represents our continued investment in creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ people throughout Kankakee County and advancing the mission of the School of Opulence and our LGBTQ Cultural Enrichment & Resource Center. It continues to build spaces that operate in cultural responsiveness; spaces that don require Q***r people of color to explain their existence, but to simply acknowledge it. It continues to build in spite of resistance, black-balling, and lack of true inclusion.
We are building community.
We are building visibility.
We are building power.
We are building the future we deserve.
AND we are building on on BLACK QUEERNESS!
Join us as we celebrate Black Pride, honor our resilience, and embrace the beauty of being exactly who we are.
Because Opulence is Everywhere.
Because Opulence is for Everyone.
***e ***rJoy See less

We returned back to the Capitol continuing our advocacy for HB4807 and SB3615 (AAHARA) alongside our partners and commun...
05/29/2026

We returned back to the Capitol continuing our advocacy for HB4807 and SB3615 (AAHARA) alongside our partners and community leaders committed to protecting and sustaining resources for African American communities impacted by HIV and AIDS.

We were grateful to directly witness our State Representative Kam Buckner added as a co-sponsor on HB4807, making this feel one step closer to meaningful change.

We remain hopeful for a future that moves us closer to getting to zero, protecting job security for both employers and employees, creating sustainable resources through AAHARA funding, and most importantly keeping people alive, healthy, supported, and secure. The work continues, and weā€™re committed to showing up for our communities every step of the way.

Beyond the Break has been growing into something really special and weā€™re so grateful for everyone who has tuned in, sha...
05/26/2026

Beyond the Break has been growing into something really special and weā€™re so grateful for everyone who has tuned in, shared, supported, and trusted us with honest conversation so far. šŸ«‚

Weā€™re currently looking for more individuals to interview for upcoming episodes in Kankakee! Our goal is to create space for transparency, vulnerability, reflection, and real stories that deserve to be heard.

If youā€™re interested in participating or know someone who would be a great fit, weā€™d love to connect. Please email us at hello@schoolofopulence with the subject line: ā€œKankakee Beyond the Break Participationā€

Individuals selected to participate will receive a compensation for their time, openness, and transparent participation.

Letā€™s keep breaking barriers through conversation together. šŸŽ™ļøāœØ

SPRINGFIELDā€¦ ARE YOU READY?! šŸšØThe Chicago Ballroom Alliance is hitting the road for the CBA Roadtrip: Walk For Me (This ...
05/22/2026

SPRINGFIELDā€¦ ARE YOU READY?! šŸšØ

The Chicago Ballroom Alliance is hitting the road for the CBA Roadtrip: Walk For Me (This Ainā€™t) Wednesday-Springfield Pride in HEALTH Edition. This is a powerful collaboration between the Chicago Ballroom Alliance, School of Opulence, and Springfield Urban League that creates a safe space for creative expression, increases access to free HIV testing and PrEP resources, all while enjoying an evening of Ballroom culture, community, health, wellness, and PRIDE celebration!

835 S 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62704
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Doors Open at 6PM

In partnership with the Springfield Urban League and School of Opulence, this initiative will help to establish a House Ballroom scene in Springfield, Illinois, while increasing HIV prevention awareness and community empowerment together under one roof, all made possible through the African American HIV and AIDS Response Act (AAHARA) funding.

FREE ENTRY WITH RSVP ON POSH: https://posh.vip/e/-presents-walk-for-me-this-aint-wednesday-road-trip

FREE COACH BUS TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM SPRINGFIELD will be provided for participants who complete:

āœ”ļø A Sexual Health Screening
OR
āœ”ļø A PrEP Referral

Registration is REQUIRED to reserve your transportation and event access.

REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfveyBpf-qOCzLQHeCxTFKAv-gzsGjbYwczv6qWdMGepoiU5Q/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Come experience:
Ballroom Performance & Fashion
Community Resources
Health & Wellness Support
Pride Month Celebration
Safe, Inclusive, Black & LGBTQ+ Affirming Space

COMMENTATOR/MC: Legendary Denim 007
DJ: Lil Man

Letā€™s make history in the CAPITAL! Springfield letā€™s Ballroom together!

https://facebook.com/events/s/cba-presents-walk-for-me-this-/1275074277701141/?

BallroomCulture HIVAwareness PrEP PrideMonth HealthAndWellness BallroomScene BlackExcellence LGB

This Tuesday, we traveled to Springfield alongside our partners at BLACHE-IL, Springfield Urban League, Taskforce Preven...
05/21/2026

This Tuesday, we traveled to Springfield alongside our partners at BLACHE-IL, Springfield Urban League, Taskforce Prevention & Community Services, and AIDS Foundation Chicago to advocate for HB4807, SB3615, and supporting sustainable funding for AAHARA (African American HIV/AIDs Response Act).

We remain optimistic in the fight to obtain stable and sustainable funding for the critical HIV and AIDS services that continue to support African American communities across Illinois. These resources are not optional ā€” they are life-saving, community-centered, and deeply necessary.

We are proud to stand alongside organizations dedicated to ensuring our communities have access to culturally responsive care, prevention resources, education, and support. A special thank you to our representatives for HB4807, Camille Lilly, and for SB3615, Senator Kimberly Lightford and Alderman Lamont J. Robinson and Senator Mike Simmons, for joining us in this fight. Thank you to everyone continuing to advocate, organize, and push for equity in healthcare and community wellness - we are hopeful for a big, sustainable, and impactful change.

šŸŒˆāœØ Kankakee community ā€” come brunch with us!Join School of Opulence for an affirming LGBTQ+ Community Brunch centered ar...
05/15/2026

šŸŒˆāœØ Kankakee community ā€” come brunch with us!

Join School of Opulence for an affirming LGBTQ+ Community Brunch centered around connection, conversation, joy, and community care. Come meet new people, enjoy free food, and participate in activities designed to help us learn more about ourselves and each other in a safe, welcoming space. šŸ’œ

šŸ—“ Saturday, May 30th
ā° 12PMā€“2PM
šŸ“ 1045 W River St, Kankakee, IL
šŸ½ Free event + food provided with RSVP

Whether you come with friends or by yourself, thereā€™s a seat for you here. Scan the QR code to RSVP šŸŒŸ ***rJoy BrunchAndBuild LGBTQEvents IllinoisCommunity

šŸ’œ Your lived experience matters. Join us for our Community Wellness Day presentation on Community Engaged Research in pa...
05/15/2026

šŸ’œ Your lived experience matters. Join us for our Community Wellness Day presentation on Community Engaged Research in partnership with IIT! Learn how community voices can help shape better healthcare access and quality for everyone.

āœØ Attend the full presentation and receive a $25 gift card.
šŸ—“ Wednesday, May 27th
ā° 12PMā€“2PM

Come connect, learn, and be part of creating meaningful change in our communities. Scan the QR code to register! šŸ’ CommunityCare

WALK FOR ME WEDNESDAYS: MUGGY BEHAVIOR Spring EditionThe Chicago Ballroom Alliance returns with another installment of o...
05/08/2026

WALK FOR ME WEDNESDAYS: MUGGY BEHAVIOR
Spring Edition

The Chicago Ballroom Alliance returns with another installment of our Walk For Me Wednesdays mini ball series ā€” this time stepping into the season of warmth, beauty, and undeniable energy.

As Chicago shifts into spring, the air gets softer, the looks get lighter, and the girls get a little moreā€¦ muggy.

Ballroom has always been a space where expression meets emotion.
From soft and pretty to bold and seductive, from effortless beauty to high-impact statements ā€” this culture has always given us the freedom to show up exactly as we feel.

And this season?
Weā€™re in bloom.

This night is about embracing that energy.

This is for the ones:
ā€¢ stepping out and being seen
ā€¢ serving face, body, and confidence
ā€¢ bringing softness with intention
ā€¢ turning everyday presence into a moment

This is not just a Ball.
This is spring in motion.
This is muggy behavior in real time.

āø»

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
3001 W Peterson Ave. Chicago, IL
Doors Open 8PM
LSS at 9PM SHARP ā€” no exceptions
Entry: $15
Mini Ball
$2000 in Cash Prizes
$35 OPEN BAR package available at the bar

On-site health screenings will be available with incentives.
Get tested, get informed, and get connected with trusted community partners offering resources, support, and care.

Special thank you to our partners:
South Side Help Center and The School of Opulence.

Walk For Me Wednesdays continues to be a platform where culture meets expression ā€” and tonight, expression is everything.

We took our Healthcare Navigation Specialist, Tyreeā€™Malik, out for a ā€˜this isnā€™t goodbye, itā€™s see you laterā€™ brunch šŸ’œAf...
04/30/2026

We took our Healthcare Navigation Specialist, Tyreeā€™Malik, out for a ā€˜this isnā€™t goodbye, itā€™s see you laterā€™ brunch šŸ’œ

After a year of commitment, loyalty, drive, and true teamwork, we couldnā€™t be more grateful for everything heā€™s poured into our clients, our organization, and our teamā€”especially as we continue to grow at such an abundant and rapid pace.

Weā€™re so proud to celebrate his next chapter as he graduates and steps into serving our country. Wishing you the absolute best, Tyreeā€™Malikā€”once Opulence, always Opulence.

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1817 E 71st Street
Chicago, IL
60620

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