Phill Wilson: Mobilizing Communities by Loving and Fighting
A timeless pioneer once said, “It is in our caring, fighting, and loving that we live forever.” That person was a long-time activist, scholar, and leader, Phill Wilson. Across his time, he’s been able to help lead a revolution advocating against the HIV/AIDS pandemic while mobilizing Black communities.
Through his countless efforts of engagement, Wilson has continued to show up and show us how to live unapologetically by educating the world. Here are five facts about what his impact has taught us so far:
The Impact of Awareness
Wilson was appointed to Barack Obama’s Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) in 2010. This was during his time as Founder and CEO of the Black Aids Institute (BIA): the only national think tank focused exclusively on Black communities.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet Phil Wilson and Mark Schoofs in the Blue Room during a U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit dinner at the White House, Aug. 5, 2014.
Moving to the West Coast
After leaving Chicago, Phill later became the AIDS Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles and Director of Public Policy for the nation’s second-largest AIDS service organization, AIDS Project LA.
Fighting with Love to Live
In a self-written Op-Ed with NBC News, Phill Wilson shared that the only way to save the lives of those we love (and ourselves) is to fight back. Not only against stigmas, poor government, and inadequate healthcare systems — we also have to fight our own fears.
An International, Resourceful Cover Star
Wilson has worked in all HIV/AIDS policy areas, research, prevention, and treatment issues throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and America. He’s also had his work published in Essence, New York Times, & more.
History Can Cure the Future
After four decades of fighting HIV/AIDS in the Black community, Phill suggests studying that research (successes & failures) to find a cure for COVID-19.
Who else is mobilizing & educating communities around the HIV/AIDS pandemic? Let us know below!