Table of Contents
- Groups Founded by Black Women Living with HIV
- Other Organizations Centering Black Women and HIV
- Resources Centering Black Women and HIV
Black women living with HIV have been innovators and changemakers in the HIV community and intersecting movements since the earliest days of the pandemic. Yet Black women's contributions are regularly ignored or made invisible in the HIV field (and in US society in general).
For more information: Black Women, Racism, and HIV in the US
Many Black women living with HIV are not waiting to be recognized before getting involved. So many have used their power to create organizations, businesses, and efforts that confront stigma and strive to prevent high prevalence rates in their communities. Below is a list of such organizations and groups, all founded and led by Black women living with HIV. This page also features other organizations and resources that center Black women and HIV.
Stay tuned as we continue to gather and fill this page with more resources and endeavors by and for Black women living with HIV. Do you have a resource you believe belongs on this page? Fill out this quick form to provide more information and we will consider your entry for inclusion on this resource page!
Groups Founded by Black Women Living with HIV
Aunty Lous House
Founder: Louise Vallace
Email: contact@auntyloushouse.com
At Aunty Lous House you will find everything to nurture, support, and grow your body mind and soul: yoga, vegan cooking recipes, wellness retreat, podcasts, coaching. Knock on the door to find out more!
Beyond Empowered - No One Left Behind
Founder: Franceina Hopkins
An informational Facebook message group. Search Facebook if you would like more information.
Black Trans Fund
Founder: Bré Rivera
Directed by Bré Rivera and incubated by Groundswell Fund, the Black Trans Fund is the first national fund in the country dedicated to uplifting and resourcing Black trans social justice leaders. Bré's vision for the Black Trans Fund is rooted in her experience as a former executive director of an under-resourced grassroots organization and her commitment to supporting abundance within Black trans movements.
Dandelions Movement
Founders: Antoinette Jones and Derinthia Williams
The Dandelions Movement is a "For Us - By Us" movement accountable for communities who identify as Lifetime Survivors of HIV. Our mission is to free our community from isolation, Stigma, Violence, and Discrimination.
Diamonds in the Rough Safe Space, Inc.
Founder: Dedra Brown
Phone: 786-333-0497
Email: dedraprincess@yahoo.com
A non-profit organization based in Florida. More information coming soon!
A Family Affair
Founder: Pat Kelly
A Family Affair (AFA) is a Black-led organization for HIV+ Black Women with a priority focus on women over 50 in the Rural South. AFA is committed to meeting the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of Black women living and impacted by HIV.
Growing Into Greatness
Founder: Connie L. Johnson
Growing Into Greatness is a grassroots initiative that offers emotional, academic and spiritual support and mentorship to historically marginalized youth.
Healing Is Voluntary
Founder: Ciarra "Ci Ci" Covin
Through the Healing Is Voluntary platform, individuals from all walks of life can discover inspirational, real-life experiences that dispel misconceptions about HIV, challenge societal stigmas, and encourage personal growth.
Heartworks Consulting
Founder: Evany Turk
Heartworks Consulting's mission is to increase the abilities of communities and organizations that serve persons living with HIV through education, creative programming, capacity building, and strategic planning.
I Am U, Inc.
Founder: Lynette Trawick
Growth happens within the context of a larger community. Our approach extends beyond the doctor's offices to help ensure women who are living with HIV have the necessary support.
Lady BurgAndy
Founder: Masonia Traylor masoniatraylor.com
Since 2012, we have been a part of the effort to create sustainable programs & direct services for women & youth impacted by HIV/AIDS.
La Gender, Inc.
Founder: Dee Dee Ngozi Chamblee
La Gender, Inc., is a non-profit organization led by African-American trans women that empowers and lifts up the spirits of transgender woman of color in the metro Atlanta area. Ms. Chamblee founded La Gender in 2001 to address the unique needs of the transgender community surrounding issues such as HIV/AIDS, homelessness, incarceration, mental health wellness, discrimination, and hate crime violence.
Momtonomy
Founder: Ciarra "Ci Ci" Covin -
As an organization dedicated to empowering mothers living with HIV, we believe in the power of community and connection. We understand the importance of developing engaged and supportive peer networks, as these networks can provide a crucial source of strength, encouragement, and shared experience. By bringing together women who face similar challenges, we create a safe space for them to connect, learn, and support each other on their journeys.
Positive People Network, Inc.
Founder: Alecia Tramel-McIntyre
Positive People Network, Inc., is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide social activities for people living with HIV (PLWHA), to help end stigma and change the quality of life of PLWHAs. Alecia has a social media presence where she posts helpful updated information about HIV/AIDS.
Positive Support (PS, Women)
Founder: Ieshia Scott
PS, Women provided a support system for women living with HIV that were experiencing isolation and increased self-stigmatization. PS, Women is a support group for women living with HIV in Broward County, with members traveling from Palm Beach and Dade counties to build their tribe and connect with a peer.
Ribbon
Founders: Vanessa Johnson and Linda Scruggs
Ribbon (formally known as Ribbon Consulting Group, LLC) is a Center of Excellence leading provider of skill-building training & technical assistance, sustainable organizational development, and leadership development services.
Rural Women In Action
Founder: Tammy Kinney
Email: sassisixties@gmail.com
Rural Women In Action, Inc. (RWIA) is a community-based organization based in Winder, Georgia, that serves the needs of rural and marginalized communities in the South. RWIA started with a vision to educate and empower the residents of rural areas in order to transform the minds of those individuals and their families.
Sister with a Testimony, Inc.
Founder: Roxana Bolden
Sister with a Testimony (S.W.A.T) embodies the triumph over adversity. Roxana's dedication is evident in her relentless commitment to go above and beyond for every individual she meets. S.W.A.T. is a self-funded ministry that operates on the spirit of giving.
The Women's Collective
Founder: Patricia Nalls
The Women's Collective is a leading community health and human service agency in Washington, DC, that provides prevention, care, and support services and advocates for the health and human rights of girls and women.
Other Organizations Centering Black Women and HIV
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
"This organization is a resource we seldom see: supporting the mental health and community health of Black progressive peoples along the gambit of Trans, Queer, LGB identities, offering both in-person and virtual events. BEAM also has a beautifully curated promotional program with featured billboards and signs nationwide." – Aryah Lester, The Well Project board of directors
Heather Ivy Society
2193 Cascade Rd SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
"Heather Ivy hosts virtual calls on various topics related to women living with HIV." – Ciarra "Ci Ci" Covin, The Well Project director of community programming
Iris House
With locations in Harlem, the Bronx, and Central New Jersey, Iris House saves lives through comprehensive support, prevention and education services for women, families, and under served populations affected by HIV/AIDS and other health disparities in a safe, family-centered environment by passionate, professional, culturally competent staff.
SisterLove, Inc.
1237 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
"SisterLove has been a leader in Black women's health for decades." – Tori Cooper, SisterLove board member
Resources Centering Black Women and HIV
Black Women's Learning Institute (BWLI)
Anti-Racist Clinical Care: Improving Health Outcomes for Black Women (PDF)
"BWLI's white paper outlines the historical context, provides real-life examples of how history shapes the present, discusses anti-racist approaches to clinical care, and offers both immediate and long-term recommendations to advance health and racial equity." – Dr. Hanna Tessema & Ms. Lisa Frederick, BWLI co-founders
Risk to Reasons Activity Books
"The Risk to Reasons Activity Books are all about pleasure, and how pleasure and intimacy are real reasons for self-care and HIV prevention. The Activity Books include interactive exercises, games, and prompts to explore everything from discovering your own desires to navigating conversations with your healthcare provider and asking for PrEP for the first time. You can download and complete the Activity Books electronically or print them out. The series is available in English, Spanish and French." – Kate Emmons, TCC Group
Being Seen Season 3
"ViiV Healthcare's Being Seen podcast is an in-depth exploration of culture's role in resolving the tension between how we are seen and how we see ourselves. Season 3, hosted by Tony Award-winning actress, singer, producer and author Anika Noni Rose, brings conversations, artistry and explorations centered around the experiences of Black women and femmes." – Kate Emmons, TCC Group
More on:
Race, Intersectionality, and HIV
Women of Transgender Experience
Long-Term HIV Survivors
