Storytelling for Change: AfroCare Support Network

A conversation with Mariam Lawal the founder of AfroCare Support Network:

World AIDs Day at Southern Alberta Clinic

Can you share the story behind the founding of AfroCare Support Network? What inspired its creation?

My passion, and my purpose, is to serve. AfroCare Support Network was founded out of a passion for serving underserved communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDs and other STBBIs. During my time in Ontario, I worked with organizations like BlackCAP Toronto, supporting the same cause. Upon moving to Calgary, I was struck by the lack of culturally specific support services for the community most impacted.

This gap became evident when I participated in a community-based research project by an organization in Edmonton for Calgary, which revealed that many individuals were falling through the cracks, unable to access treatment or support. Inspired by this need and struggles to navigate inequitable systems, I collaborated with community peers to create ACSN.

How has the vision or mission evolved since its inception?

ACSN was born to bridge these gaps, providing culturally relevant support and addressing systemic challenges to ensure no one is left behind. ACSN is more than an organization—it is a movement, a safe space dedicated to improving access to care and uplifting the communities we serve.

When I started, there was little to no information or resources for people living with HIV especially for new immigrants as language was a major barrier. Yes, there are organizations that support people living with however I found that the services they offered didn’t meet the needs of the community. They were one-size-fits-all, but we know that the African and Caribbean communities, especially those living with HIV, are diverse and have unique needs. After meeting people in the community and listening to their challenges, I wanted to create an organization where people feel seen, heard, understood and where their needs are truly met. AfroCare was incorporated in May 2024, and we launched our programs with a Black HIV manifesto to engage with the community. We’ve partnered with healthcare organizations and community groups, and our goal is to ensure that ACSN remains a safe space for people living with HIV.

How does AfroCare Support Network address systemic racism and colonial legacies in healthcare and support services?

Launch of AfroCare Support Network with community partners In attendance

Our partnerships with healthcare organizations have helped break down some of these barriers. AfroCare centers Black voices in decision-making and base our programs on the lived experiences of the people we serve. We aim to create a safe haven for people living with HIV, where they can receive culturally relevant support and access resources that respect their history and experiences. We challenge inequities by providing culturally relevant support services tailored to meet the unique needs of the African, Caribbean and Black communities, which are often overlooked in mainstream healthcare systems.

Our approach prioritizes accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment. By collaborating with peers, we amplify the voices of those most impacted, ensuring that their perspectives guide our programs and advocacy efforts. We also work to dismantle barriers to care through education, community engagement, and partnerships with organizations committed to equity.

Can you provide examples of how the network integrates anti-racism and decolonization principles into its programs?

We lead with empathy rather than judgment. HIV affects people beyond the stereotypes that are often associated with it. Our approach focuses on understanding and creating a safe space where individuals can speak openly about their challenges, without the fear of being stigmatized. We’ve designed our programs to be a healing space, offering not just medical access support, but also culturally specific support services that resonate with our community’s values and needs. For example, we had a member who's first language is not English, it was challenging advocating for their health with the doctor, so we found a peer who volunteer their time and provide support in the language they understand.

How does AfroCare use education to empower individuals and combat misinformation around HIV?

Sexual Health Education on HIV/AIDs at Centre for Newcomers

Education is key to combating misinformation, which is why AfroCare places so much emphasis on educational initiatives. Recently, we partnered with the Center for Newcomers to deliver a sexual health education session for new immigrants who are identify as queers, Non-Binary or womxn. We covered important topics like HIV 101, stigma, and sexual health education. These conversations are crucial in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

How does AfroCare foster a sense of community and support for its members?

AfroCare fosters a sense of community through a variety of programs tailored to the specific needs of our members. We have separate groups for men, women, transgender, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. These groups allow people to engage in conversations where they feel comfortable and supported. For example, some individuals may not feel comfortable discussing certain topics in a mixed setting. We also have a general peer support group called ‘Circle of Care,’ where everyone is welcome to join. What makes AfroCare unique is that our programs are member driven. We don’t dictate the topics we’ll discuss; instead, the members themselves decide what they want to talk about, creating a more personalized and inclusive experience. Members are actively involved in shaping AfroCare’s programs and initiatives. Members are connected with others who share similar experiences, creating a strong network of mutual support and understanding.

How can individuals, allies, or organizations support AfroCare’s mission?

Supporting AfroCare’s mission goes beyond awareness. it requires active participation and allyship. Some ways they can support us is by educating themselves and others by sharing accurate information as it helps combat stigma and misinformation, amplify our work by sharing our work on their platforms whether personal or organizational. Allies can support by engaging with policymakers, attending events, and speaking out against systemic racism and inequities in healthcare. Volunteering their time and skills and donations are crucial for sustaining AfroCare’s programs and initiatives. Organizations can also partner with us to provide grants, sponsorships, or resources that help us grow and serve the community.

AfroCare Support Network’s commitment to serving its community with compassion, empathy, and cultural understanding is truly inspiring. By addressing both the medical and social aspects of HIV care, the organization is fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for individuals who have long been marginalized. If you’re interested in supporting AfroCare’s mission, consider donating your time, resources, or simply by sharing their message with your community here.

Written by Bolade Afolabi