2019 has been a monumental year for the Black AIDS Institute. From the first change in organizational leadership in history to new programming and new staff; 2019 has been an epic roller coaster for the trailblazing the organization is doing.
New president and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute Raniyah Copeland pledged as he assumed the office that he would take the renowned organization in a new direction.
Copeland said in a statement:
“How fitting for all of this to happen as we roll into a whole new decade. With 2020 on the horizon, all I can see are new opportunities, strategies, and milestones to reach.
The last 20 years of this organization have been dedicated to engaging in popular education within the Black community as it pertains to our awareness about HIV/AIDS, it’s impact, and how we can use people-power to make a difference. In this new day and age, we are taking this a step further and truly modeling the world we want to see that intentionally centers the Black experience and invests in our communities to truly end this HIV epidemic.
We are mobilizing our people to ensure elected officials and health organizations do right by us. With a stronger investment in [grass roots] organizing and capacity building, I’m certain that BAI will be a heightened force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
I appreciate your continued support in making sure BAI is the best it can be, whether it be through monetary giving, following us on our social channels, or being part of our family and visiting us often to take care of your health. Your trust in our work and abilities to execute our vision with rigor and passion means so much to me and I do not take that lightly. Our team is going to take the next couple of weeks to refresh and ground ourselves so that we can come back in the new year rejuvenated and recharged and ready to take this system on full force. I certainly hope that you’re able to do the same.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or Kwanzaa or any other holiday in this season, please be gentle with yourself. Love on yourself and those around you and take care of your mind, body, and soul. We are all we have in this world so let’s engage one another with tenderness and care. I wish you nothing but the best and look forward to you continuing to join us on this ride into a new decade and a new era for BAI. There’s so much to look forward to.
Peace and blessings to you and I certainly hope you have a loving and happy new year!
Yours truly,
Raniyah Copeland, MPH
President & CEO, BAI
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