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Mission & History
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| NBGMAC is committed to improving the health and well-being of Black Gay Men through advocacy that is focused on research, policy, education and training. How We Became the National Black Gay Men’ Advocacy Coalition NBGMAC began as a collective of black men who coalesced following a report presented at the June 2005 National HIV Prevention Conference that showed 46 % of black gay men from a study in five major cities were HIV positive and that 67% where unaware of their status. During the conference it became clear that a coordinated community driven advocacy process was needed to galvanize a much needed public health response. Several black gay leaders participated in organizing meetings in Washington, DC and conference calls throughout over the next months. At the urging of these Black gay leaders, CDC convened a consultation in August 2005 to address the findings of the study. In January 2006, with the support of the New York Community Trust, Gary English, then executive director of People of Color in Crisis, a Brooklyn, NY-based Black Gay community-based organization organized a retreat in Miami, Florida for black gay leaders from across the country where the incidence was greatest among black gay men. Through the collective efforts of those men at the retreat, the mission, vision, core values and scope of work for the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition were established. A task force was formed to specifically address bylaws and organizational structure. The National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition is principally a policy driven coalition of organizations and members are committed to saving the lives of Black Men. Why Our Name At its organizing retreat, a substantial degree of conversation was invested in selecting a name that was inclusive and supportive of all people that share the same purpose “to save the lives of Black Gay MEN.” Repeatedly, the participants stated that the very act of adopting a name that declared the right of Black Gay Men was intentionally precedent setting as an objective for this organization to exist. It is important to note the name we selected is not meant to exclude anyone, as many of our friends, colleagues and supporters do not consider themselves black, gay or male; however these same people appreciate that health and other issues challenging black gay men in this hour of history, require transparency, authenticity and most improvidently vitality. It is our sincere hope that you will join us in our effort to advocate for the lives of Black Gay Men. |
3636 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
Phone: (202) 455 - 8441 | Email: info@nbgmac.org
Content copyright . National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition. All rights reserved.
