Phill Wilson
1956
Phill Wilson stands as a prominent figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS, dedicating his life to advocacy and awareness. Born in 1956, his journey as an activist took a personal turn when his partner succumbed to an HIV-related illness, and Wilson himself received an HIV diagnosis. Fueled by these experiences, he founded the Black AIDS Institute in 1999, a significant milestone in his commitment to addressing the epidemic within the African American community.
In 2010, Wilson’s influence expanded as he was appointed to President Obama’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. His role as a delegate to the World AIDS Summit further positioned him as a global advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness. One of Wilson’s key initiatives involved advocating for increased funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to support Black groups, empowering them with the resources needed to educate and mobilize their community against HIV/AIDS.
Wilson’s impactful efforts materialized in the creation of the “Act Against AIDS” campaign, subsequently rebranded as the “Let’s Stop HIV Together” campaign. This initiative focuses on promoting HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. Through his work, Phill Wilson has become a beacon of change, working tirelessly to combat the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and ensure that communities have the knowledge and resources to protect themselves.