We Honor his Unwavering Commitment in the Fight Against AIDS

Institute Mourns the Passing of Dennis deLeon

The Black AIDS Institute mourns the passing of Dennis deLeon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS.

DeLeon was a tireless advocate for the rights, health, dignity and well being of people living with HIV. For more than 15 years, deLeon led the Latino Commission, which was established in New York City in 1990 in response to the rapid growth of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. Under deLeon’s leadership, the Latino Commission expanded beyond its initial focus on New York City to establish a national leadership role in efforts to strengthen the response to AIDS in communities of color.

DeLeon recognized that an effective AIDS response is not possible without a strong commitment to the human rights of people living with, and affected by, HIV. Before assuming leadership of the Latino Commission, deLeon headed the New York City Commission on Human Rights, pursuing some of the earliest HIV discrimination cases in the world.

While deLeon began his AIDS work in his government post in New York City, he recognized the critical need for communities to own and drive the fight against the epidemic. In addition to leading the Latino Commission on AIDS, deLeon also served as a longtime board member of Gay Men’s Health Crisis and Housing Works, two of the country’s largest community-based AIDS organizations.

Today, the Institute joins with its partners across the AIDS response to honor deLeon’s extraordinary work and commitment. While his passion and intelligence will be sorely missed, they will continue to inspire us to redouble our efforts to achieve his dream of a more just and equitable world – a world without AIDS.