As an organization that has led the HIV movement since 1987, history reminds us of where we began and how to move forward, together. NMAC was started during President Reagan’s term—a time when the administration denied the reality of the epidemic. Since then, we have together advanced the needs of our communities by navigating the evolving political landscape, building relationships, and creating impact across every presidential administration. NMAC has a long, successful history of working in a bipartisan way to ensure that our communities have a voice in Washington. With this election outcome, we are prepared to double our efforts, meeting with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to guarantee that the issues affecting Black, Latinx, Native, and LGBTQ+ communities remain front and center. 

Our commitment to achieving health equity through racial justice frameworks to end the HIV epidemic has and will not change. Our advocacy and strategic approach to the work will remain intentional, and continue to be ushered by the needs of the communities we serve. As we prepare for a peaceful transition of power to the incoming administration, we have reached out to our long-standing and current federal partners to reassure them that now is not the time to abandon ship, but to fortify the frontlines to ensure we continue to deliver the services and care that we all deserve.

Last week, our team began strategic planning to expand beyond our core work of individual leadership development and workforce capacity building. As an organization that leads with race and intersects with women and LGBTQ people, this feels even more urgent in this post-election environment. Our movement is at another crossroad. While it might feel desperate, it is not hopeless. We are a movement of heroes who changed the world. In the face of the impossible, we made it happen then and we can do it again now.

Together, we stand ready to navigate the challenges ahead through our tenacity and unwavering commitment to progress. By staying the course and strengthening our partnerships, we will continue to champion health equity, advocate for essential resources, and empower a new generation of leaders in the fight against HIV. We invite you to stand with us as we forge the next chapter of our movement, committed to justice, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of health equity for all.

Yours in prosperity,

Harold Phillips & Paul Kawata