The Forum for Collaborative Research joins the HIV community in mourning the loss of Dr. Ron Simmons, who passed away from prostate cancer on May 29th. Dr. Simmons was an activist and advocate for the black LGBTQ+ community and fought tirelessly for justice and equity for black communities who are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Dr. Simmons served as a distinguished faculty member at Howard University and in 1992, he joined Us Helping Us and served as President and CEO until 2016. Through the leadership of Dr. Simmons, Us Helping Us became the oldest and largest Black gay community-based AIDS service organization in the U.S. Dr. Simmons impacted many individual lives and organizations by working to reduce the burden of HIV.

Dr. Simmons' leadership was centered around collective action, equal rights, and unity. Many admired him as a powerful leader and for his lifelong dedication to addressing the HIV epidemic. His legacy will continue to live on. 

Please read these reflections from the Forum community.

“I was so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing earlier this week. His death comes at a time of serious national reckoning, making his advocacy for the well being of Black LBGTQ+ people all the more relevant. I am sorry he will not be here to witness progress directly, but the fruits of his passion for justice will reverberate throughout the coming months and years as we collectively work to ensure justice for all.”

-Veronica Miller, PhD, Executive Director of the Forum for Collaborative Research

“The HIV community has lost a great leader with the passing of Dr. Ron Simmons. He was a visionary and a very effective community-engaged activist. He understood firsthand how the Black community was being ravaged by HIV, particularly Black men who have sex with men, and knew how to develop a local organization that has had national impact. His eloquence and tenacity enabled him to create highly effective coalitions that have been able to create services to improve the lives of many. He will be greatly missed.”

-Kenneth Taymor, MD, Infectious Disease Attending and Director of HIV Prevention Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center