It all started in September 2003, when two Portland Chapter of The Links, Incorporated members Linda J. Harris and Myrna-Yvonne Williams worked with Mardica Hicks, Executive VP of New Earth Management Corporation and Cascade AIDS in securing a Memorandum of Understanding to partner in sponsoring several community HIV/AIDS events. Along with other community organizations, the team planned and held the first symposium in 2004.
With the success of the symposium, The Links continued to meet bi-monthly with staff from Cascade AIDS, Self Enhancement, Inc, Multnomah County, Oregon Department of Human Services HIV Program, and Brother to Brother in planning subsequent HIV symposiums.
The African-American AIDS Awareness Action Alliance has evolved into a collaborative group working with other community agencies, churches, and nonprofits.
A6’s annual events are World AIDS Day, the Balm of Gilead Week of Prayer for Healing, National HIV Testing Day, Good in the Hood, and the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Health Fair.
MISSION:
The African-American AIDS Awareness Action Alliance works year-round to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the African American community and the larger community by directly involving community members in the planning and implementation of events that promote HIV/AIDS/STD and mental health awareness in dynamic ways.
VISION:
To eradicate HIV/AIDS in our communities, reduce the stigma associated with the disease and have congregations and other members of the community embrace those affected and impacted by HIV/AIDS.
GOALS:
- To increase awareness about HIV/AIDS/STDs, HEPc, and mental health in the African American community
- To educate and empower the African American community to end HIV/AIDS
- To work collaboratively with community-based organizations, health agencies, and the faith-based community in planning annual activities that promote the mission and vision of A6
- To support and embrace those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
MEET THE TEAM
Yvonne Williams
Co-Founder
Stay happy, healthy, and whole.
Linda J. Harris
Co-Founder
Know your status — A baseline to live your life.
Ronnie Myers
Co-Founder
By standing together, we make a difference.
Larry Hill
Co-Founder/consultant
…our work continues in standing up for equity and inclusion…
Amelia Harati
AGENCY PARTNER
Affirming the inherent worth of every person.
Mariotta Gary-Smith
AGENCY PARTNER
Everyone deserves to have their full personhood seen, heard, and cared for.
We have the resources and passion to help you live a full life.
JOIN US
Longevity and lessons learned have brought us to this place. For more than 30 years, there has been fear, ignorance, stigma, loss, and scientific advances associated with HIV and AIDS. The African American AIDS Awareness Action Alliance is asking people in the community to join our efforts in reaching out to those who don’t know their status and do not know that they are at risk.
Where there is ignorance let reason prevail, where there is stigma let open-minds consider, where there is fear let courage win, where there is disregard let there be compassion. Please work with your spheres of influence as your voices are needed to help amplify our message to end HIV.
