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Minority AIDS Project

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Minority AIDS Project
AbbreviationMAP
Formation1985; 40 years ago (1985)
FounderArchbishop Carl Bean, D.Min (1944-2021), Jewel Thais-Williams, and members of the Unity Fellowship of Christ Church
Typenonprofit organization
Legal status501(c)(3)
Headquarters5149 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Revenue$1,350,201[1] (2023)
Expenses$1,467,178[1] (2023)
Websiteminorityaidsproject.org

Minority AIDS Project (MAP) of Los Angeles was established in 1985 by Archbishop Carl Bean, D.Min, Jewel Thais-Williams, and members of the Unity Fellowship of Christ Church.[2] MAP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers free of charge HIV/AIDS education, medical treatment, and support services to all people, regardless of age, gender, race, or other circumstances.[3] MAP is the first community-based HIV/AIDS organization established and managed by people of color in the United States.[4]

History

[edit]

Black men and women are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS in the United States.[5] In 1985, African American and Latino men and women accounted for three times as many HIV/AIDS cases as white men and women.[6] After reading about Carl Bean, a representative from the National Institute of Mental Health called Bean with an idea to start a group that would address the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Black community.[7] Bean worked with “a core group of black women in L.A.” (including local business owner Jewel Thais-Williams), to establish the Minority AIDS Project (MAP) in 1985.[7] MAP is recognized as one of nation’s first organization to serve AIDS patients in the Black community.[8]

Bean and members of the Unity Fellowship of Christ Church, including Gilberto “Gil” Gerald, who succeeded Bean as executive director of MAP in 1989, organized MAP to provide HIV/AIDS education, HIV testing, medical treatment, and social services for Los Angeles residents, particularly Blacks and Latinos in Central and South-Central Los Angeles.[4][6][8][9][10][11][12] MAP is the first community-based HIV/AIDS organization established and managed by people of color in the United States.[4][12][13] In collaboration with Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), MAP and Carl Bean were instrumental in increasing funding for the federal Minority AIDS Initiative[14] from $156 million to more than $400 million in 2025.[15][16]

In 1987, KTTV produced for a 30-second PSA for MAP. “AIDS HOTLINE" aired on the Fox Network station in Los Angeles.[17]

In 1987, MAP defended court challenges and accusations of “promoting homosexual activity” to receive a AIDS education grant from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to serve the county’s Black and Latino communities.[18]

In 1988, MAP and Dionne Warwick hosted a special concert event, “Coming Home for Friends,” that featured performances by Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle, and others, and raised $150,000 for the AIDS organization.[19][20] [21] The following year, MAP and Warwick partnered to host “Coming Home for Friends 2,” that featured entertainment by Natalie Cole, Clifton Davis, Howard Hewett, Thelma Houston, Keith Pringle and other celebrities.[22]

In 1989, MAP began its needle exchange program.[13]

In July 1989, Bean and MAP were featured in a BLK (magazine) cover story.[23]

In 1992, MAP launched Youth Employment Services (YES), a four year gang prevention program funded by the federal government and Ice Cube.[13] That same year, the Social and Public Art Resource Center sponsored and commissioned a community mural by artist Mary-Linn Hughes in collaboration with Tammy Moritz, Reginald Larue Zachary, and others, that appears on MAP’s Jefferson Boulevard headquarters.[24]

In September 1992, the Los Angeles City Council approved a $594,000 loan to MAP for the Carl Bean AIDS Care Center, a 25-bed hospice in the West Adams District of Los Angeles.[25][26] The Bean Center served primarily Black and Latino AIDS patients; approximately of MAP's clients are Chicano or Latino.[25]

In 2005, MAP and the House of Rodeo co-hosted the “Love Is A Message Ball,” to celebrate the Ball culture and to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS services in Los Angeles.[27][28]

In February 2006, the Carl Bean AIDS Care Center ceased operations.[26][29] At the time, the center was the only AIDS hospice and 24-hour residential HIV/AIDS nursing care facility in Los Angeles.[26]

In 2011, artist and producer Ice Cube designed a set of limited edition prints that were inspired by his classic rap songs and albums and donated a portion of the prints’ proceeds to MAP.[30]

On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2022, the Foundation for The AIDS Monument (FAM) and MAP co-hosted STORIES Circle #6, a FAM produced series that allows participants to share their HIV/AIDS stories and to network with others in the HIV/AIDS community. Beatitude Bishop Zachary Jones, an early MAP volunteer and staff member, and then MAP CEO Russell Thornhill were the featured speakers.[31]

In June 2024, MAP hosted STORIES Circle #12, and announced plans for FAM’s construction of the STORIES: The AIDS Monument in West Hollywood.[12][32][33]

Programs

[edit]

The Minority AIDS Project (MAP) provides free of charge programs and services to all people, regardless of race.[4] More than 250,000 people have benefited from MAP’s services.[13] The organization maintains an annual operating budget of greater than one million dollars.[8]

MAP's programs include Benefits Specialty Services; Bilingual Mental Health Services; access to a Community Food Pantry;[34] Community Service Program; Free HIV Home Test Kits; Health Education Activities; HIV Counseling and Rapid Testing; In-Home Registered Nurse Case Management; PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention) and PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) Referrals and Resources; Linkage To Care (LTC) Case Management Services; MAP Anti-Violence Intervention Program; and a Mobile Medical Street Team (MMST), in partnership with Charles R. Drew University and Kedren Medical Community.[4]

MAP’s case managers and volunteers help clients to obtain public benefits, individual and group counseling, job leads and employment, rental and mortgage assistance, financial support, and other social services.[35][8]

MAP has managed a home for AIDS patients, Dignity House.[8][10]

Funders

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MAP has received financial support from the City of Los Angeles;[36][25] Los Angeles County;[37] State of California;[38][39][40] and government agencies.[8][13]

In addition to government assistance, MAP has received donations from the California Community Foundation;[41] David Bohnett Foundation;[42] Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation;[43] Johnny Carson Foundation;[41] Kaiser Permanente;[44] Magic Johnson;[13] Mary J. Blige;[13] Silicon Valley Community Foundation;[41] The Robert Nelson Foundation,[45][46] and others.[13]

Notable people

[edit]
  • Archbishop Carl Bean, D.Min (1944-2021), co-founder, and executive director (1985-1989)[11]
  • Rev. Elder Claude E. Bowen, chief operating officer, administration (1988-2005)[47][48]
  • Rev. Leslie Burke, RN, MPH, JD, M.Div. PHN, member, board of directors (1987-); RN case manager; executive director, Carl Bean AIDS Care Center (1992-?)[49][50]
  • Gilberto “Gil” Gerald, co-founder, and executive director (1989-1990)[11][51]
  • Rev. Gerald N. Green, co-executive director (2023-)[52][50]
  • Wilbert C. Jordan, MD, MPH, chief medical advisor, emeritus (1985-2023)[50][53]
  • Victor McKamie, street outreach worker (1989-); executive director and CEO (2004-2018)[13]
  • Roger Quinney, LCSW, PsyD, member, board of directors[50]
  • Rev. Benita Ramsey, MA, J.D., LL.M, chair, board of directors[50]
  • Riki Smith, CPA, chief financial officer (-2023); co-executive director (2023-)[52][50]
  • Jewel Thais-Williams, co-founder[54]
  • Rev. Russell E. Thornhill, MAOM, MA, chief executive officer (2018-2023); and secretary, board of directors[50][55]
  • Bishop Zachary Young[56]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Tax Filings by Year: 2023. ProPublica.
  2. ^ “Archbishop Carl Bean | Profile”, LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed February 06, 2025, https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.org/profiles/carl-bean.
  3. ^ Community-Focused Education and Support. Minority AIDS Project.
  4. ^ a b c d e At A Glance: MAP History. Minority AIDS Project.
  5. ^ Muhammad, Charlene (February 3, 2025). Blacks still disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS 44 years into the epidemic. The Final Call.
  6. ^ a b Digital Gallery: The Minority AIDS Project. National Library of Medicine.
  7. ^ a b Traube, Trent (March 29, 2011). Born This Way: Archbishop Carl Bean is gaga about AIDS advocacy—and his rediscovered disco classic. POZ.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Jones, Charisse (January 9, 1991). Minority AIDS Project May Fold, Appeals for Cash : Health: The Rev. Carl Bean says the outlook is bleak for his organization. He vows to fast until enough money is raised. Los Angeles Times.
  9. ^ Johnson, George M. (March 22, 2016). HIV in the Black Community: Honoring the Legends We've Lost and the Many Who Have Survived. HIV Resources for African Americans. TheBody.
  10. ^ a b Los Angeles Times (July 1, 1995). Making a Difference: Minority AIDS Project : Reaching Out, Close To Home.
  11. ^ a b c Gilberto Gerald: Panamanian LGBTQ+ rights activist and organizer. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
  12. ^ a b c STORIES Circle Event #12: Minority AIDS Project. The AIDS Monument.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i California State University, Dominguez Hills (December 7, 2017). Alumnus Victor McKamie Helps MAP a Better Life for Those with HIV/AIDS.
  14. ^ Health Resources & Services Administration (February 2022).Part F: Minority AIDS Initiative.
  15. ^ Waters, Maxine (February 7, 2025). Congresswoman Waters Honors National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
  16. ^ Waters, Maxine (September 15, 2021). Waters Statement on the Passing of Archbishop Carl Bean.
  17. ^ 7 FCC Red No. 13 (1992). MM Docket No. 90-375, In re Applications of Fox Television Stations, Inc. For Renewal of License of Station KTTV(TV), Los Angeles, California, et. al. Federal Communications Commission. 3815.
  18. ^ Vollmer, Ted (September 2, 1987). Firm Is Given Minority AIDS Education Grant. Los Angeles Times.
  19. ^ Sanlo, Ed.D., Ronnie (February 9, 2024). This Day in LGBTQ History - September.
  20. ^ The R&B Report (January 30 - February 12, 1989). R&B Notes: Changing Attitudes. 28-29.
  21. ^ Black Radio Exclusive (August 5, 1988). Dione Warwick Heads Lineup At Minority AIDS Benefit. 8.
  22. ^ ONE Archives: Posters and Graphic Materials (1988). Minority AIDS Project coming home for friend 2 : annual gospel benefit. Morris Kight McCadden Place Collection, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, University of Southern California.
  23. ^ BLK Vol. 1 No. 8. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell.
  24. ^ Minority Aids Project: Love is For Everyone. Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles.
  25. ^ a b c Renwick, Lucille (October 4, 1992). A Different Front in the AIDS War : Minority Activists, Facing Cultural and Religious Stigmas Tied to the Deadly Disease, Count on a Sense of Community in Fighting the Epidemic. Los Angeles Times.
  26. ^ a b c Kenslea, Ged (September 9, 2021).AHF Mourns Passing of Archbishop Carl Bean. AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
  27. ^ Bailey, Marlon M. (2009). Performance as Intravention: Ballroom Culture and the Politics of HIV/AIDS in Detroit, Souls, 11:3, 253-274, DOI: 10.1080/10999940903088226.
  28. ^ Royles, Dan. HIV/AIDS, Gay Communities, and the Struggle for Gay Rights.
  29. ^ Outtraveler Staff (March 3, 2006). L.A.'s Carl Bean House closes. Budget cuts force closure of 24-hour HIV nursing care facility. Advocate.
  30. ^ Moore, Jacob (June 23, 2011). Ice Cube Gets Involved With An Art Program For Charity. Complex.
  31. ^ Rappaport, Irwin M. (2023). FAM Update from the Board Chair, 2022 4Q. Foundation for The AIDS Monument.
  32. ^ STORIES Circle with MAP. June 26, 2024.
  33. ^ City of West Hollywood (October 24, 2024). Construction Begins on City of West Hollywood’s STORIES: The AIDS Monument.
  34. ^ Boller, Robert (September 9, 2021). Archbishop Carl Bean’s Legacy of Love & The Project Angel Food Connection. Project Angel Food.
  35. ^ Black AIDS Initiative (June 2006). AIDS in Blackface: 25 Years of an Epidemic. 75-76.
  36. ^ Houston-Swain, Regina (May 4, 2009). Memorandum to Hon. Bernand Parks, re: Department on Disability Budget Status." City of Los Angeles.
  37. ^ Full List of JCODCFCI Care Grant Cohort 1, 2, 3, Program Area 8 ARPA Capacity Building Grantees: Program Area 32 - TGI Mentorship Project $3,812,250.00 (total giving to five organizations, including Minority AIDS Project). Los Angeles County Justice Care and Opportunities Department.
  38. ^ Attachment C-2: California Violence and Intervention and Prevention Grant. State of California. p. 3.
  39. ^ Senate Committee of Health and Human Services (December 14, 1987). Hearing on AIDS in Minority Communities. California Legislature. p. 127.
  40. ^ State of California (July 26, 2001). Senate Bill No. 739.
  41. ^ a b c Who funds Minority Aids Project Los Angeles. Cause IQ.
  42. ^ Grant Database -- Minority AIDS Project: Cinco de Mayo Community Outreach Event (2024); Womyn's Health Collaborative (2022); World AIDS Day (2013, 2014); Health Fair (2012); Disco Ball (2005). David Bohnett Foundation.
  43. ^ Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (February 27, 2019). The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Provides $1million For HIV/AIDS Programs. PR Newswire.
  44. ^ Non Profit Pro (December 1, 2009). Kaiser Permanente Southern California Grants for HIV/AIDS Community Organizations Total More Than $750,000 for 2009.
  45. ^ The Robert Nelson Foundation (September 9, 2024). Grants: Minority AIDS Project.
  46. ^ Minority AIDS Project. The Robert Nelson Foundation.
  47. ^ Mayor’s AIDS Leadership Council (December 2003). HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles: 21st Century Challenges and Approaches. A Report to the Mayor and City Council of Los Angeles. City of Los Angeles.
  48. ^ AIDS United (September 19, 2019). How We Can Care for All Generations of HIV Leaders. As the Reverend Claude Bowen puts it: “Wounded healers can’t heal someone else.” POZ.
  49. ^ Rev. Elder Leslie Burke. Unity Fellowship Church Los Angeles.
  50. ^ a b c d e f g About Us: Our Leadership. Minority AIDS Project.
  51. ^ Evaluation of Needle Exchange Programs as a Way to Combat AIDS. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.
  52. ^ a b MAP Announces New Leadership. Minority AIDS Project.
  53. ^ Announcing the Passing of Wilbert C. Jordan, MD, MPH. Black Women Physicians.
  54. ^ "Jewel Thais-Williams". The Outwords Archive. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  55. ^ Rev. Elder Russell E. Thornhill | Profile”, LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed February 06, 2025, https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.org/profiles/russell-e-thornhill.
  56. ^ “Bishop Zachary Jones | Oral History”, LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed February 06, 2025, https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.org/oral-histories/zachary-jones.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Bean, Carl, and David Ritz (2010). I Was Born This Way: A Gay Preacher's Journey through Gospel Music, Disco Stardom, and a Ministry in Christ. Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 978-1416592822.
  • Brier, Jennifer (2009). Infectious Ideas: U.S. Political Responses to the AIDS Crisis. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.
  • Duberman, Martin (2014). Hold Tight Gently: Michael Callen, Essex Hemphill, and the Battlefield of AIDS. New York: The New Press, 2014.
  • Farrey, Tom (November 7, 2001). AIDS community misses old Magic act.
  • Gould, Deborah B (2009). Moving Politics: Emotion and ACT UP’s Fight against AIDS. University Of Chicago Press.
  • Mumford, Kevin (2016). Not Straight, Not White: Black Gay Men from the March on Washington to the AIDS Crisis. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. ISBN: 978-1-4696-2684-0.
  • National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day #NBHAAD: February 7.
  • Royles, Dan (2020). To Make the Wounded Whole: The African American Struggle against HIV/AIDS. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. ISBN: 978-1-4696-5950-3.
  • Smith J, Simmons E, Mayer KH (2005). HIV/AIDS and the Black church: what are the barriers to prevention services? J Natl Med Assoc.; 97(12):1682–1685.
  • Treichler, Paula A. (1999). How to Have Theory in an Epidemic: Cultural Chronicles of AIDS. Durham: Duke University Press Books.
  • Woubshet, Dagmawi (2015). The Calendar of Loss: Race, Sexuality, and Mourning in the Early Era of AIDS. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
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