United We Rise is dedicated to creating a space for meaningful discussions on important issues within the Black HIV community. Over the past year, we brought together Black people of all identities to engage in conversations, share experiences, and reflect on the challenges we face.
EHE Trilogy Series
Our Change the Narrative workgroup hosted a powerful webinar series dedicated to advancing health equity for Black communities. Titled EHE + #EveryBlackBody: A Trilogy, the series brought together leading experts in the health equity space and explored the impacts and implications of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative on Black people across the diaspora. Attracting nearly 300 registrants, the conversations emphasized the importance of raising awareness, addressing stigma, and holding dialogue to create better support systems for Black people living with HIV.
Doing Right By Our Community Series
To simulate the deep and critical conversations that happen around the kitchen table or living room coffee table, our Change the Narrative workgroup brought together more than 200 registrants for a series of virtual “couch conversations” with Francisco Ruiz, former director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy. Mr. Ruiz emphasized the powerful unity that can happen between Black and Latinx communities as we create and implement a policy and mobilization framework for EveryBlackBody.
» CLICK HERE to view videos on the UWR YouTube channel
The liberation of all Black people from systems that do not value us requires collective action across intersectional organizations. Leveraging our combined knowledge and influence allows us to create and disseminate resources that empower Black people living with HIV, and their communities, to work against systemic disenfranchisement and oppression.
Black Voters’ Guide
In September, we debuted the Black Voter’s Guide in the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA). Created by our HIV Policy Workgroup, the Guide serves as both an educational resource and a tool for understanding policies that directly affect Black people living with HIV. Its purpose is to empower Black voters by providing the information needed to advocate for their needs and make informed decisions, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
A key part of building a world where Every(Black)Body has access to the opportunities and resources needed for a healthy, joyful, and liberated life is fostering and maintaining connections. Whether in formal or informal spaces, virtual or in-person, coming together to work toward a shared goal provides the knowledge, resources, and affirmations necessary to create transformative change.
United We Rise In-Person Planning Committee Meeting
For the first time in more than three years, the UWR Planning Committee gathered in-person in Atlanta to strengthen partnerships and refocus our shared goals. We convened 19 planning committee members and hosted a reception for HIV organizations and community members to network and connect with each other.
During the meeting, each workgroup shared project updates and gathered feedback from the group to improve and innovate new ideas for potential collaboration across workgroups and intersectional organizations.
National Conferences
To strengthen connections with intersectional organizations that can reimagine a path to ending the HIV epidemic, we attended several national conferences dedicated to advancing the health of all Black people.
At each conference, we hosted a booth or table to engage, network, and connect with attendees. We also took the opportunity to share our work and initiatives, including the Black HIV Researchers’ Directory, the Black Voters’ Guide, and our #BlackHIVEquity campaign, which addresses the unique challenges and disparities Black communities face in relation to HIV. Additionally, we gained more than 200 new sign-ups for our listserv, helping individuals and organizations stay connected to our work.
Conferences attended:
