As CEO of the Southern Black Policy and Advocacy Network (SBPAN), Venton Jones says that since its founding in 2018, the nonprofit has “worked diligently to train and mobilize a new generation of public health leaders.” SBPAN programs and accomplishments include:

  • LEVEL UP, an initiative that helps executive directors, development staff, grant writers, managers and people living with HIV enhance their leadership skills;

  • “Organizing to End Black HIV NOW,” a digital media campaign that educates, organizes and mobilizes Black HIV groups, leaders and advocates on the front lines;

  • HIV Policy and Advocacy Needs Assessment, a 2020 report that pointed out gaps in HIV work among Black communities in the South;

  • Southern Black HIV/AIDS Network and Southern Black HIV/AIDS Advisory Council, two initiatives that unite leaders so they can leverage their skills and also avoid duplicating work.

The March 2022 issue of POZ includes an interview with Venton Jones, who is also running for state representative in Dallas. For more, see “Putting HIV on the Ballot.”

An image from The “End Black HIV NOW” campaign

An image from The “End Black HIV NOW” campaignYouTube/Southern Black Policy and Advocacy Network