I am Marvell L. Terry II, a Cultural Organizer, Health Equity Strategist, and Activist.

My passion lies in addressing the HIV epidemic in the Black community and ensuring that Black individuals have access to life-saving prevention and treatment tools, particularly in the Southern United States, where the epidemic is particularly severe.

I have devoted my life to advocating for policies that benefit the Black community. I am the founder of the Saving Ourselves Symposium (SOS), contributed to the Young Black Gay Men's Leadership Summit, and spearheaded the Southern HIV Impact Fund. As a native of Memphis, now residing in Atlanta, GA, the South holds significant importance for me.

The Why: Despite comprising only 13% of the United States population, Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by HIV. In 2021, Black individuals accounted for nearly half of all new HIV diagnoses in the South (49%), despite representing only 19% of the Southern population.

The Response: I am organizing the BLK in the South Summit, which aims to unite local community members, HIV activists, and movement leaders to discuss the impact of HIV on the Black community in the Southern United States. This one-day event is designed to address pressing issues and provide ideas, concepts, and frameworks for collaborative efforts to end the AIDS epidemic in the Black community in the South.

I invite you, your network, and community members to join me in New Orleans for this critical and necessary convening. Additionally, I would appreciate your financial support for this effort. Thank you for your consideration.

Decidedly Different,

Marvell L. Terry II