Black Brothers Esteem
Because African American gay, bisexual, and same gender-loving men are at a disproportionately high risk for HIV infection, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation offers Black Brothers Esteem, a prevention and support program designed to empower men who predominantly live in the Tenderloin/Polk Gulch and Sixth Street Corridor sections of San Francisco. These men struggle not only with issues related to HIV, but also with racism, addiction, poverty, homophobia, violence, and marginal housing conditions.
Facilitated by AIDS Foundation staff, Black Brothers Esteem core group members design activities and events to provide a place for African American gay, bisexual, and same gender-loving men to gather and gain support from one another. The goal of the program is to provide education, skills building, and enhanced social connection in order to diminish sexual risk-taking.
Culturally Competent Programs and Services include:
- Phoenix Rising - A weekly on-going drop-in group for HIV-negative and HIV-positive men that addresses the emotional impact of HIV. Phoenix Rising allows Men of African descent to set their own agenda and provide peer support for the challenges they are currently facing.
- Afro Chats - Multiple-session workshops, tackling issues such as safer sex negotiation, behavior change, and improving health and quality of life.
- BBE Counseling and Support - BBE Staff is available to provide confidential individual counseling and support during weekly office hours (Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm). Call 415-487-8018 for an appointment.
- Leadership Workshops, Retreats, Community Building Projects and Volunteer Opportunities - These projects are for african American men who wish to have a greater impact on improving their local community. These include a peer health advocate program, volunteering for community service, creating health outreach messages, and performing outreach at public events. Participants report that involvement in these projects enhances their sense of belonging to various larger communities. All designed by staff and clients to have a positive impact on the black community through building leadership and communication skills.
The Home Sweet Home, Strong and Healthy and Spiritually Healthy brochures were developed by BBE members as guides to housing, health and spirituality resources for low-income African American men in San Francisco. These are excellent examples of community development projects that benefit both the larger community and BBE participants directly.
Call the BBE Events Line 415- 487-8018 or email
bbe@sfaf.org for more information.
Regular Activities and events:
Phoenix Rising is a weekly drop-in group (every Wednesday from 4-6pm) at our SFAF Offices at 995 Market Street, 2nd Floor.
Colors of Recovery support group, contact Norman Tanner for more information
ntanner@sfaf.org, 487-8003.
Game and Movie Night - Friday December 18th,2009 from 5pm-9pm, 2nd Floor
BBE Steering Committee- Friday December 4, 2009 from 12-2pm, 2nd Floor
Page last updated:
2/11/2010
