Black Brothers Esteem changed community for Black men in San Francisco

This year, we honor and celebrate 30 years of Black Brothers Esteem (BBE)–a pillar of community programming at SFAF and one of our longest-operating programs. Some core members of the group have been involved, and active, in building community since the group’s founding in 1996.

At the time BBE was founded, the landscape of HIV in San Francisco and across the U.S. looked very different than it does today. The year 1996 represented a turning point of sorts in the treatment, prevention, and management of HIV. New HIV treatments were showing promise in preventing disease progression, and for the first time since the beginning of the epidemic, AIDS deaths began to decline. There was hope.

And with hope, and life, people came together. To continue to support one another, as people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, but also to build community and lasting friendships.

BBE was one of those spaces, for the Black and African American same-gender loving men and trans folks who didn’t feel welcome or represented in other spaces dominated by white gay men.

“I found a sense of belonging and community,” remembers Rickey Beard, who joined BBE more than two decades ago after being invited by a founding member. “There aren’t too many places where people like me, who look like me, are able to gather together and share our experiences. I found that connection with BBE.”

This close-knit group meets on a regular basis for all kinds of activities–book clubs, discussion groups, learning events, civic and community advocacy, and social events. Over the years, the continuity of the meetings and events has fostered a sense of belonging among group members.

“In San Francisco, you can’t always find the right place to land. Here, I do fit in,” said Beard.

Over three decades, loss is naturally part of the group’s existence.

Fond memories of past members live on. The group has spent time creating two BBE panels honoring members they have lost for the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Although Beard appreciates the many social and community events fostered by BBE, he said by far his favorite part of the group has been spent supporting hospitalized or home-bound members as part of the Goodwill Team.

Group members reach out and visit BBE members who may be sick, hospitalized, or for other reasons not able to attend in-person gatherings on a regular basis, and then report back on these visits to the larger group.

Recently, Beard said they visited a member at home who just turned 89. The group sang Happy Birthday to the member, who is in good spirits but isn’t able to join BBE events onsite any longer.

“No matter how I’m feeling when I go visit someone, I always feel better by the time I’m leaving. There are just so many memories that I have from BBE,” said Beard.

Our greatest love and appreciation to Black Brothers Esteem members, communities, supporters, staff, and allies–past and present–who are part of the meaningful history and legacy of this community.

“Black Brothers Esteem’s 30th anniversary represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to advance health equity for Black communities in the Bay Area,” said Brian Ragas, Director of Black Health at SFAF. “As a legacy program of San Francisco AIDS Foundation, BBE reflects our agency’s enduring commitment to this movement, one rooted in culturally responsive care, community partnership, and sustained investment in Black health outcomes. We are proud to honor three decades of this vital work and remain dedicated to its continued growth and impact.”

Questions about BBE? Email us at BBE@sfaf.org.