On February 7, CAMBA’s Brooklyn Outreach and Prevention (BOP) team brought together community members, advocates, artists, and health professionals for “Black Love and Resilience,” a powerful symposium honoring both Black History Month and National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Held for the third consecutive year at the Brooklyn Community Pride Center, this year’s gathering welcomed approximately 50 attendees under the theme “Lift Every Voice.” The event centered on empowering the Black LGBTQIA+ community while providing critical education about the latest developments in HIV prevention and care.
Centering Knowledge and Empowerment
The symposium featured two dynamic panels designed to inform, inspire, and spark dialogue.
The first panel focused on HIV awareness and prevention, spotlighting cutting-edge developments and lived experiences. Panelists included Jessica Clark of Gilead Sciences; Dr. Keosha Bond of the CUNY School of Medicine; Lix Smith, Director of SUNY Downstate Hospital’s HEAT program; and Maria Davis, a motivational speaker and activist for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Together, they shared research updates, prevention strategies, and personal insights—reinforcing the importance of access, equity, and culturally responsive care.
The second panel explored Afrofuturism—a cultural, aesthetic, and literary movement that merges Black history, culture, and mythology with science fiction, technology, and fantasy to reimagine the past and envision empowered futures. Panelists included Tiffany Jade Munroe of Caribbean Equality Project; Halisi ONYX, President of the ONYX New York Northeast Chapter; Jonno Blakstar, Editor in Chief of Lime Life magazine; and Dr. Keosha Bond. Their conversation invited attendees to think boldly about liberation, representation, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Creativity, Care, and Community
In addition to the panels, CAMBA’s Brooklyn Youth Against Substance Misuse (YAS) Coalition led a “Poetic Justice” writing workshop, creating space for reflection and self-expression. Columbia University’s Project STAY provided rapid HIV/STI testing, ensuring that attendees had access to immediate and confidential health services. Guests also enjoyed delicious food from Kylexus Kitchen, helping foster a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere.
Following the symposium, BOP hosted an open stage showcasing the immense talent within the Black LGBTQIA+ community. Attendees rapped, performed spoken word, read poetry, sang, and danced—transforming the evening into a vibrant celebration of art, identity, and resilience.
Building a Future Together
“Black Love and Resilience” was more than an event—it was a reminder of the power of gathering, learning, and creating together. By centering Black LGBTQIA+ voices and advancing HIV education, CAMBA’s BOP team continues to strengthen community connections and expand pathways to health, empowerment, and joy.
Stay tuned for upcoming BOP events and initiatives by visiting linktr.ee/CAMBABOP.
