ABOUT BAI

Black AIDS Institute (BAI) is dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Black community. BAI is the only uniquely and unapologetically Black HIV think and do tank in America. We believe in complete freedom for Black people by eradicating systematic oppression so that we can live long, healthy lives. 

Our decisions, responses, programming, and messaging are informed by our roots, and by our core values of Black Empowerment, Equity, Impact, Self-Determination, and Integrity.

OUR VALUES

  • [ BLACK EMPOWERMENT ]

    We source our capacity building, mobilization, policy, and advocacy efforts from Black leaders and communities across the country and provides high-quality direct HIV services and linkage to care to Black people.

  • [ EQUITY ]

    We work to shift structures, policies, and behaviors to ensure Black people and marginalized communities experience justice, fairness, and success. 

  • [ IMPACT ]

    We strive for results in our work and partnerships. We are honest about what’s working and what’s not. Being impactful is our commitment to ensuring that the lives of Black people are valued.

  • [ SELF-DETERMINATION ]

    We are relentless in pursuit of our organizational mission. We define ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves. We are not easily discouraged by resistance or slowed progress.

  • [ INTEGRITY ]

    We are honest with ourselves and each other. We are reliable. We do what is right for and with Black people, even when it is difficult. Particularly when it is difficult.

We see a world where all Black people are free and flourishing without HIV and AIDS, free of stigma and shame, where Black health and well-being are paramount.

Our mission is to stop the AIDS epidemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals to confront HIV.

BAI was founded by a Black, gay man living with HIV, a Black, gay doctor, and a Black, lesbian doctor. They established BAI in 1999 to mobilize and educate Black Americans about HIV/AIDS treatment and care.

They envisioned an organization that directly challenged the systems of oppression that marginalize Black health and that also developed culturally specific programming to address the unique needs of Black people. With a foundation in advocacy and policy work, BAI works towards improving the health and wellness of Black people through research, community efforts, and clinical work. 

Recognizing that health justice is a racial and social justice issue, BAI is deeply committed to exposing the systems and roots of oppression that marginalize Black people and exacerbate our health burden. We are revolutionizing the HIV response by centering Black experiences and perspectives to ensure that Black people can live their fullest, healthiest lives with dignity, care, and respect.

OUR PEOPLE. OUR PROBLEM. OUR SOLUTION.

[ STAFF LIST ]

  • Davon Henry, Senior Operations Specialist

  • Michelle Reese, Interim CEO/ Chief Program Officer

  • Wendell Miller, Senior Manager, Operations

  • Deja Abdul-Haqq, Director of Communications

  • Michelee Vasquez, Finance Coordinator

  • Benjamin White, Navigation Coordinator

  • Beverly Burgess, M.Ed, Senior Prevention and Care Manager

  • Christiana Watkins, Navigation Coordinator

  • Briana Willis, Training and Capacity Building Manager

[ BOARD OF DIRECTORS ]

  • Laura Hall

  • Marc Meecham

  • David Cook

  • George Striggs

  • Latrica Penny

  • Grazell R. Howard

[ SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ]

  • Adaora Adimora, MD

  • Greg Millett, MPH

  • Jewell Thais-Williams, LAc, DipLAc

  • Lane Rolling, MD

  • LaRon E Nelson, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAAN

  • Leo Moore, MD

  • Nina T. Harawa, MPH, PhD

  • Oni J. Blackstock, MD, MHS

  • Robert E. Fullilove, EdD

  • Stephaun E. Wallace, PhD, MS, MOL

  • Tagbo Ekwonu, MD, AAHIVS

  • Yvonne T. Maddox, PhD

[ EMERITUS BOARD ]

  • Danny Glover

  • Cornelius Baker

  • Sheryl Lee Ralph

  • Peter Bronle

  • Donna Christensen

  • Jussie Smollett

  • Edward Sanders

[ FUNDERS ]

  • AIDS Foundation of Chicago

  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation

  • AIDS United

  • Amazon Studios

  • amFar

  • APLA Health

  • Arcadiana C.A.R.E.S

  • Bank of America

  • Berlanti Family Foundation 

  • Broadway Cares

  • California HIV/AIDS Research Program

  • Cameron Johnson

  • CDC

  • Cheer LA

  • Combined Federal Campaign

  • Cicatelli Associates Inc.

  • City of Los Angeles

  • County of Los Angeles

  • County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

  • David Geffen Foundation 

  • FHI360

  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

  • Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation  

  • Emory University   

  • Equality California

  • Gilead Science (Serves as a sponsor of BAI’s year-round programming)

  • GlaxoSmithKline

  • Gucci 

  •  Haymarket Medical Education

  • Health Resources and Services Administration

  • HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN)

  • HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN)

  • Houston Health Department

  • Howard Brown Health Center

  • Human Rights Campaign 

  • Janssen Pharmaceuticals

  • Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

  • Lambda Legal

  • Latino Commission on AIDS

  • Los Angeles LGBT Center

  • Mecklenburg County Health Department

  • Merck  

  • Microsoft, NYC, LGBTQ Chapter

  • Mississippi State Department of Health

  • My Brother’s Keeper

  • NASTAD

  • National Black Gay Men Advocacy Coalition 

  • NMAC

  • Pali Wine Company

  • Paramount Pictures   

  • Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.

  • POSE FX

  • Prevention Access Campaign

  • Robert Woods Johnson Foundation

  • St. John’s Well Child & Family Center 

  • San Francisco Community Health Center

  • Southern AIDS Coalition

  • The California Endowment

  • The Cara Delevingne Foundation

  • The David Bohnett Foundation

  • The Columbus Foundation

  • The Found

  • The Hainer Foundation

  • The Herb Ritts, Jr. Foundation

  • The Morrison & Foerster Foundation

  • The Regents of the University of California

  • TikTok, Inc.

  • Treatment Action Group 

  • Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc

  • ViiV

  • Walgreens  

  • Clinical Care Options

  • Estee Lauder Inc.

  • HRSA

  • Johnson & Johnson Foundation

  • #StartSmall