Efforts Increase To Ensure Black LGBTQ+ Stories Are Represented On World AIDS Day

In 2016, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alarmed the Black gay community, estimating that 50% of Black gay men in the U.S. would face HIV in their lifetimes, despite the existence of effective preventive medications. DaShawn Usher, who had previously offered social services, was troubled by this statistic. He emphasized that awareness was the critical gap—despite available resources like PrEP, many were uninformed about their options. In response, Usher co-founded the Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI) to enhance the health and welfare of the Black LGBTQ community. MOBI will sponsor an event in New York City on World AIDS Day, themed “Centering Black & Marginalized Voices Together.” Usher highlighted the importance of their MOBI Talks series, which promotes holistic wellness and vital healthcare knowledge. With approximately 1.2 million individuals in the U.S. living with HIV, and Black Americans representing 38% of new diagnoses, mobilization and education remain essential. On December 3, MOBI will partner with The Prolific Circle for a significant event, addressing these ongoing challenges and fostering community support.