Individual | Inducted 2024
Amailia Black has been a steadfast advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for transgender individuals, since the early 1990s. Her advocacy began when she was featured in an HIV awareness campaign for the Minority Outreach Intervention Project, alongside two other transgender women, addressing the critical need for education and outreach during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Hailing from Gary, Indiana and coming to Chicago in the late 1980s, most of Amailia’s career has been dedicated to Howard Brown Health, where she held several influential roles over the years. She started as a Research Assistant with the Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) team, contributing to crucial HIV research. Her work was recognized internationally when she co-authored research that was presented at the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) in Europe.
Following her work in research, Amailia took on the role of PrEP Navigator, helping members of the LGBTQ+ community access PrEP and ensuring that those interested in this HIV prevention method could overcome cost barriers. Her commitment to community building grew further when she became the Volunteer and Community Engagement Specialist. In this role, she was responsible for coordinating events and leading the vetting and onboarding of volunteers, strengthening the connection between Howard Brown Health and the community it serves.
Amailia’s journey at Howard Brown Health culminated in her role as Executive Assistant to the CEO, 2010 Inductee David Ernesto Munar, where she continued her advocacy work while contributing to the leadership and direction of the organization. Even after her tenure at Howard Brown Health, she remains an outspoken advocate for transgender rights, continually working to ensure that her trans siblings, especially those without a voice, receive the equity and recognition they deserve.