Our History

The Melanated Movement (MM) portfolio consists of Melanated Movement Engagement (MME) and Melanated Movement Fund (MMF). The portfolio is a culmination of policy and program initiatives that demonstrates AIDS United’s dedication to Black Women as a prioritized population for ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. The portfolio leverages experience and lessons learned from The Black Women First (BWF) Initiative (a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part F: Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS)), Sisters United (an evidence-informed initiative that used a community-based participatory and empowerment approach to prevent and manage the multiple conditions of HIV and other chronic diseases among Black women.), Transgender Leadership Initiative (TLI), Southern HIV Impact Fund (SHIF) and Dissemination of Evidence-Informed Interventions (DEII) supported peer and patient navigation programs for women of color living with HIV.  

Our Mission

The MM portfolio advances the health, knowledge, and narrative power of Black women of cisgender, transgender, and gender-expansive experience impacted by HIV. Grounded in a by-and-for design, the portfolio uses community engagement, education, and funding for narrative change to combat stigma. The portfolio amplifies Black Women’s reasons for HIV care and prevention awareness, via support for organizations and communities transforming the systems that influence their well-being. 

Our Vision

The Melanated Movement portfolio envisions a future where Black Women, in all their identities, are resourced leaders and decision makers in HIV prevention and care. With their experiences as expertise, communities connected and voices amplified, systems of care can reflect the needs of Black Women. Through community investment and empowered networks, we equip the public with a deeper understanding of living with HIV and reasons for HIV prevention.  

Melanated Movement Fund

The Fund (MMF) provides multi-year funding, capacity building, and technical assistance for 5 community-based organizations to implement activities advancing Black women’s engagement in HIV prevention and/or care, providing supportive services addressing social determinants of health, and promoting self-efficacy over their health and well-being. This initiative better equips community-based organizations to engage and retain Black women in HIV prevention, care, and support services, as well as to promote self-efficacy respecting their health and well-being. The Fund is graciously supported by Gilead Sciences as a grantee of the Setting the P.A.CE. Initiative.  

Current Grantees: The Dandelions Movement (Atlanta, GA), The Outlaw Project (Tucson, AZ), The Women’s Collective (Washington, D.C.), ASHE at the Multicultural AIDS Coalition or MAC (Boston, Massachusetts), and AOC (Fort Worth, TX) 

Melanated Movement Engagement

The Engagement (MME) activities create and execute a comprehensive sexual & reproductive health and HIV awareness communication campaign designed by and for Black women that integrates prevention, treatment, policy, funding, and research platforms. MME activities foster connections between women in the movement and their allies, strengthening collaboration opportunities. The Engagement activities are graciously supported by ViiV Healthcare and Merck. 

Initiatives that reflect Melanated Movement Activities: 

  • Melanated Movement at AIDSWatch 
  • HIV and Student Advocacy 
  • Movement Talks  
  • Black Women in HIV Philanthropy 
  • Women, Faith and HIV 
  • Ball Culture & Community  

 

Roundtables and Storytelling

Melanated Movement Roundtables

6 Videos