NMAC is launching the Coalition for Justice & Equality, a new division within the agency. The Coalition will build partnerships with other progressive-focused organizations in and out of the HIV community to respond to harmful decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court or other courts, dangerous legislation from Congress or state legislatures, and prejudicial actions by state officials.

“Our goal with the Coalition is to build a progressive NATO, where an attack on one is an attack on all,” said Paul Kawata, Executive Director of NMAC. “The right-wing has ramped up their attacks on the LGBTQ community, but we are not their only target. It will take all organizations facing this assault – communities of color LGBTQ, women, labor, environmental groups, etc. – working together to ensure that our rights and protections are not stripped away. The Coalition will be a part of that effort. NMAC can’t do this alone. We will need our allies.”

To direct the Coalition, NMAC has hired Toni Newman. Previously, Toni was the Interim Chief Executive Officer and President for the Black AIDS Institute. She was the Interim President for LYRIC, the Interim Director of Employment Services at the SF LGBT Center, Executive Director for St. James Infirmary, the Director of Development for Maitri Compassionate Care, and previously served as the Interim Director of Development & Communications at To Help Everyone Health and Wellness Centers and as a Strategic Fundraiser, Volunteer Recruiter, and Legislative Aide for Equality California.

“I am honored and thrilled to join NMAC in such a critical role,” said Newman. “Our rights, including our right to exist freely, are under attack on multiple fronts. We need to have a mechanism to not only respond effectively but to take the initiative when possible. And such an effort will only be possible with a broad coalition of organizations that are under similar attack. I look forward to working with multiple partners to make this Coalition a reality.”

About

NMAC leads with race to urgently fight for health equity and racial justice to end the HIV epidemic in America. Since 1987, NMAC has advanced our mission through a variety of programs and services, including a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment and research program, numerous electronic and print materials, and a website at www.nmac.org.

NMAC also serves as an association of AIDS service organizations, providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics, and other groups assisting individuals and families affected by the HIV epidemic.