photo by steed media service

Since its formation in 1987, the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS has steadfastly worked to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and prevent the spread of the disease within the African American community. President and CEO Debra Fraser-Howze has witnessed the organization’s commitment and work ethic firsthand. She and the organization consistently provide technical assistance and information to the community to heighten AIDS awareness.

“The fact that [there have] been recommendations to guide [the] community shows that we’re a people of great resource — intellect, capital and ability,” she says. “That’s in keeping with our ancestry.”

The NBLCA serves as a principal consultant on HIV/AIDS and related public health issues to a bevy of organizations, including the Congressional Black Caucus. In addition to maintaining official partnerships with the National Association of Black Social Workers and the National Caucus of Black State Legislators, which represents over 500 black state-elected officials, the NBLCA also works with the National Baptist Ministers’ Convention, which boasts a membership of 8.2 million.

The NBLCA’s global activities include its role as advisor on HIV/AIDS-related issues to the United Nations and to diverse countries like the Central African Republic, Uganda and the Bahamas, among other nations.

Fraser-Howze understands that the fight against HIV/AIDS requires cooperation between organizations like the NBLCA and the people that they serve.

“We have the power of our community behind us,” says Fraser-Howze. “That is most represented by the most powerful in our community — the black clergy. We have 11 affiliates across the nation, all led by black clergy on local levels, [and] joined by medical practitioners, elected officials and business leaders.”–todd williams

For more information, visit www.nblca.org.

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