NAESM Inc. Executive Director Dr. Alvan Quamina died Oct. 18, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication to social justice.
Dr. Quamina assumed leadership of the organization, which is a leading voice for Black LGBTQ+ health and empowerment, in 2019 and was credited by the organization’s Board of Directors with heralding “unprecedented growth, strengthened community partnerships,” and a deeper commitment to promoting the health and wellness of Black gay and same gender-loving men.
“Dr. Quamina’s passion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to social justice and public health have left an indelible mark on NAESM and all who had the privilege of working with him,” the Board wrote in a statement. “His leadership and compassion will be profoundly missed.”
Under Dr. Quamina’s tenure, NAESM helped fund Ts Madison’s “Starter House” earlier this year, a transitional house for formerly incarcerated Black transgender women.
“Dr. Quamina was a quiet force and a visionary leader whose compassion, intellect, and commitment to public health uplifted countless lives,” the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs wrote on Instagram. “…We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the NAESM board and staff, and all who were touched by his leadership and love for community. His legacy will continue to shine through the lives he impacted and the movement he helped strengthen.”
Dr. Quamina advocated for HIV and AIDS prevention for more than 30 years. Prior to working with NAESM, Dr. Quamina was the executive director of AIDS Project East Bay and AMASSI, Inc. and a section chief of the City of Berkeley’s public health division. In a 2021 interview with TheBody, Dr. Quamina spoke about ending Georgia’s HIV epidemic and maintaining hope.
“[W]hen it comes to movement building, I think that a lot of people can feel fatigued from the constant struggle,” he said. “But for the community of people who are living with HIV – and that includes activists as well as loved ones – we don’t have the luxury of fatigue because it’s in our face every single day. And within the HIV movement, I think there is a healthy expectation of change.”
The NAESM Board of Directors says the organization is still operating smoothly and an interim executive director will be announced soon.
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