The Solutions to Black HIV in the South

Go on a journey with Anna DeShawn to explore the history, economics, and culture of HIV/AIDS in the Black community. Through interviews and personal stories Anna and her co-host, Duane Cramer, explore the shame, stigma, and solutions.

In this episode, Anna and Duane discuss finding solutions to ending HIV/AIDS in the Black community. We hear from experts Dafina Ward, Jada Harris, Nathan Townsend, Deirdre Speaks,  and Jimmy Gibbs about what is being done to move the needle and the media's role in the fight. They also offer a call to action, outlining the collective next steps.

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About Our Guests:

Dafina Ward

Dafina Ward, J.D. is an attorney and non-profit strategist with nearly fifteen years of experience addressing HIV and health equity issues in the southern United States. Working in partnership with a range of advocates—from grassroots leaders to federal decision-makers—she is a trusted voice in regional and national spaces. Dafina currently serves as Executive Director of the Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC), an organization with a regional focus and national reach, with a mission to end the HIV epidemic in the South.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dafina-ward/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dafinamward 

Jada Harris

Jada Harris is currently a Facilitator for Storycorps, Inc. She joined The NAMES Project Foundation/AIDS Memorial Quilt in 2001 when it moved from its San Francisco location to Atlanta, GA.  During her tenure with the Quilt she has held positions as a Display Coordinator, Curator and Director of Programs.  Jada is excited to be a part of the National AIDS Memorial in the role of Program Manager for the Call My Name program to increase the number of quilt panels from the African American community and all marginalized communities.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master’s degree in Film/Video from Savannah College of Art and Design.

IG: www.instagram.com/jadahawk 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jadarenee 

Nathan Townsend

Nathan Townsend is the HIV Prevention Programs Manager for The National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities (NAESM). NAESM was formed in 1990 and is one of the first African American community based non-profit organizations to stand on the frontlines in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Atlanta, Georgia.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-townsend30431300/ 

Deirdre Speaks

Since 2000, Deirdre has lived, learned, and experienced HIV on her own terms. She utilizes her sense of humor and a lively personality to openly share her medicine and medical adherence journey with the world using #MedsWillMakeMeDance. Deirdre is transparent about how she is not allowing HIV to have control of her, but fearlessly taking control of HIV. Deirdre is a native of Virginia and has worked as an educator, case manager, and speaker, however, she is most passionate about eradicating stigma, ending the criminalization of people living with HIV, combating racial injustice, health disparities, and being an active Partner in Change as the co-founder of Ending Criminalization of HIV and Over-incarceration in Virginia (ECHO VA). 

Website: https://deirdrespeaks.com/ 

Jimmy Gibbs

Rev. Jimmy Gibbs began his work in the field of HIV/AIDS in 1983 as a caregiver for his best friend in the beginning of the epidemic. He is an HIV/ AIDS community advocate working to secure housing and supportive services serving on the UNC CFAR CAB board and the National CFAR CAB Coalition serving as Chair of the Executive Committee. He is a member of Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Cary, NC. 

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About Our Hosts:

Anna DeShawn 

Anna DeShawn is a Chicago-born social entrepreneur who builds digital media platforms that center & celebrate BIPOC & QTPOC creatives. She received her bachelor's in