NMAC is launching the Coalition for Justice & Equality, a new division within the agency, and Toni Newman has been hired as the director.
The Coalition will build partnerships with other progressive-focused organizations in and out of the HIV community to respond to harmful decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court or other courts, dangerous legislation from Congress or state legislatures, and prejudicial actions by state officials.
“Our goal with the Coalition is to build a progressive NATO, where an attack on one is an attack on all,” said Paul Kawata, NMAC executive director.
“The right wing has ramped up their attacks on the LGBTQ community, but we are not their only target. It will take all organizations facing this assault – communities of color LGBTQ, women, labor, environmental groups, etc. – working together to ensure that our rights and protections are not stripped away.”
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Prior to this appointment, Newman was the interim chief executive officer and president for the Black AIDS Institute. She also served as interim president for LYRIC, the interim director of Employment Services at the SF LGBT Center, executive director for St. James Infirmary, and the director of development for Maitri Compassionate Care. Other positions that Newman has held are interim director of Development & Communications at To Help Everyone Health and Wellness Centers, strategic fundraiser, volunteer recruiter, and legislative aide for Equality California.
“I am honored and thrilled to join NMAC in such a critical role,” said Newman. “Our rights, including our right to exist freely, are under attack on multiple fronts.
“We need to have a mechanism to not only respond effectively but to take the initiative when possible. And such an effort will only be possible with a broad coalition of organizations that are under similar attack. I look forward to working with multiple partners to make this Coalition a reality.”