JJ Jackson, MA, NCC, LCPC, LPC (he/him/his)

PhD Student, University of Rochester, School of Nursing

Years as an ANAC member: 1

ANAC committee: DEI

Why is Black History Month and National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day important?

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a call to action—it’s a moment to center the realities of HIV in Black communities, acknowledge the resilience of those affected, and confront the systemic barriers that continue to drive disparities. It’s also about honoring the legacy of Black activists, researchers, and healthcare providers who have fought for equity in HIV prevention and care. For me, it reinforces the need to move beyond awareness into structural change—ensuring that care is not just available, but affirming, accessible, and free from stigma. The sexual health of Black communities is a global priority, and raising awareness within the context of sexual health and HIV is the first step toward galvanizing overdue equity, responsive interventions, and the alleviation of disparities. It’s a reminder—and a call to action—for me and others to reenergize our work.

Why did you join the fight to end HIV/AIDS?

I stepped into this fight at a crossroads of personal experience and professional insight. Seeing firsthand how Black and Hispanic sexual and gender minorities face challenges in accessing quality HIV care—challenges rooted in trauma, social determinants, and systemic gaps—I realized this isn’t just about medicine; it’s about justice. This fight became deeply personal for me because I know it from both sides: as someone who’s navigated the system as a consumer and as a professional committed to change. I’m determined to reshape policies, case management, and provider practices so that they empower rather than hinder access to care. Ending HIV/AIDS is more than a science problem—it’s a call for fairness and dignity in every step of care, and that’s where my fight begins. I’m excited about the robust and groundbreaking work already underway in sexual health and HIV, and I’m eager to contribute to those efforts.

Who/what inspires you?

I’m inspired by the resilience of the Black and Brown communities that continue to push forward despite systemic inequities. I’m also inspired by the visionaries in the field—those who refuse to accept the status quo and dare to reimagine what HIV care could look like. But most importantly, I carry deep gratitude for my earliest clients—the ones who trusted me as I was finding my footing in sexual health work. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs shaped the way I approach this work, reminding me that behind every policy, intervention, and statistic are real people navigating real challenges. They inspire me to keep pushing for a system that truly meets their needs.

What is something you learned in the last month?

This past month, I’ve been reflecting on how provider autonomy support—or lack thereof—shapes the way Black and Hispanic men engage in HIV care. Through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), I’m realizing just how critical it is to foster autonomy, competence, and relatedness in patient-provider interactions. When providers create space for patients to feel heard, valued, and empowered in their care decisions, they’re not just offering services—they’re reinforcing the intrinsic motivation to stay engaged in care. The more we understand these dynamics, the better we can design systems that don’t just reach people but resonate with them, ensuring that care is not only accessible but also affirming and sustainable. In addition, I’m learning how to translate these insights and passions into specific research aims to secure funding—a dynamic, iterative process that reinforces the bridge between theory and practice.