Message from the Executive Director |
A Season of Action & Transition |
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This past weekend I attended a Juneteenth celebration in my community. Juneteenth at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is special. Established in 1862, it is the site of the first freedmen’s town in the nation self-governed by formerly enslaved people. In the middle of the Civil War, before slavery was abolished, in the state that was the first to secede from the Union—formerly enslaved people established homes, schools, churches, and a way of life that allowed their families to thrive. It is a story that is untold. A reminder that we have a legacy of resistance and overcoming the seemingly impossible. It is a reminder we need in this moment. Living by your own terms, having the means to take care of your family, supportive community, safety—that is freedom.
Beginning today–Juneteenth—Southern AIDS Coalition is launching Our Freedom Summer, as we pay homage to our long history of resistance and resourcefulness. From today through Southern HIV AIDS Awareness Day (SHAAD) on August 20th, SAC invites you to join us for programming, mobilization opportunities, calls to action, the Saving Ourselves Symposium and more!
This summer will also mark my final season as Executive Director at Southern AIDS Coalition. As I come to the end of my leadership of SAC, I carry feelings of deep gratitude—thankful to our passionate staff, committed Board, and countless partners who have supported me in this role. This decision did not come lightly, but I leave with confidence in our collective ability to meet this moment. You will hear more from me throughout the summer, as our fight to end HIV disparities and ensure access to healthcare continues.
I look forward to being a resource during this time of transition in our organization and look forward to cheering on the next chapter—from a different seat, but with the same unwavering commitment to our communities. In partnership always, Dafina | | |
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See this message from Dafina! |
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| Message from the Board Chair |
The Board of Directors is immensely grateful to Dafina for her leadership and service as Executive Director of the Southern AIDS Coalition. She has guided SAC with vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to advancing health equity, racial justice, and the dignity of people living with and impacted by HIV in the South.
During her time with SAC, Dafina has helped grow our reach, deepen our advocacy, and strengthen our partnerships across the region. We’re especially thankful for the way she’s embodied SAC’s core values by launching community-driven efforts, forging regional and national alliances, and standing firm as a trusted voice in the HIV and health equity space. Her impact on SAC and the communities we serve will continue to be felt for years to come.
The Board is committed to working closely with Dafina to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. We’re confident in our staff and leadership team’s ability to carry our mission forward with the same strength, creativity, and dedication that Dafina has exemplified throughout her tenure. Dafina will continue to serve as the primary point of contact for SAC during the initial part of her transition. In the weeks ahead, the Board will share more about SAC’s next chapter and the steps we’re taking to ensure a consistent path forward.
On a personal note, it’s been a highlight of my career to work alongside Dafina. Her compassion, intellect, and integrity have had a meaningful impact, not just on SAC but on all of us who’ve had the privilege to work with her. We wish her nothing but success and fulfillment in the journey ahead. |
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| Freedom Summer Starts Here!
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Join us on July 2 for the start of Freedom Summer! Learn how we borrow from past lessons of resistance to forge ahead today with special guests David Wyley Long, SAC, Chauncey McGlathery, American Academy of HIV Medicine, and Roberto Lopez, Texas Civil Rights Project.
This webinar is meant to educate, inspire, and activate by sparking among advocates, community members and allies a sense of connectivity to a long tradition of resistance, and empowering them to take action. As they face proposed cuts that threaten Medicaid and the advances that have been made against HIV. |
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My Home My Voice Fellowship! |
My Home, My Voice is a new collaborative initiative from Provide and Southern AIDS Coalition that supports healthcare workers, social service providers, and community members in southern communities who are interested in engaging in storytelling advocacy around the intersections of reproductive and sexual health (including abortion access) and living with HIV.
My Home, My Voice fellows will have the opportunity to: |
- participate in a series of skill-building workshops around the power of personal storytelling, including engaging with traditional media, social media, and legislative advocacy
- develop writing and public speaking skills and confidence in a supportive, peer-driven environment
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share stories as part of advocacy campaigns with Provide and the Southern AIDS Coalition
- receive support around protecting personal privacy and security when engaging in storytelling
- build community within a cohort of peers
- receive a stipend ($1,000) for participating in the fellowship
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STEP with us this Freedom Summer. Becoming a member gets community access for Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in August, any state specific HIV data, and opportunities to connect with other members via virtual convenings. Let’s put our resources in places they need to be and do the right thing to ensure that communities move forward together! |
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