Akron’s Premier Multicultural LGBTQ+ Resource Center
The Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center
The Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center
The Mission
"We need in every community a group of angelic troublemakers."-- Bayard Rustin
The Bayard Rustin Center is dedicated to expanding care for all LBGTQ+ individuals. Within Summit County, people of color, men, women, and non-binary, continue to experience the highest rates of HIV infections. The Bayard Rustin Center takes a culturally, inclusive approach to address the client's needs. Our experienced staff has a strong understanding of the needs of LGBTQ+ and is able to provide caring, empathetic approaches to The Bayard Rustin Center is the only statewide LGBTQ+ drop-in location. Our services include HIV, STI, and COVID testing services, housing referrals, mental health support, anti-violence programs, a food pantry, a clothing closet, weekly community meals, and discussions.
The Black community within Summit County is experiencing high rates of HIV among women and men. With decades of experience and a strong grasp on culture and intersectionality, we are able to provide tailored care to our clients through a culturally centered approach.
The Vision
"To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true." -- Bayard Rustin
Our vision is to elevate advocacy efforts for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ+ community at large. This includes those who have faced the challenges of stigma related to sexual and gender orientation within the
community.
Our History
"We are all one -and if we don't know it, we will learn it the hard way." -- Bayard Rustin
In 2000, the Akron Brother Circle was formed as a support group for same-gender-loving men, this group grew to become a part of the Akron AIDS Collaborative.
The Akron AIDS Collaborative was formed to help support individuals and their families in addressing newly diagnosed HIV cases and related issues.
Today, the Akron AIDS Collaborative continues its work under the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Center.
Our Executive Director
“Let us be enraged about injustice, but let us not be destroyed by it.” -- Bayard Rustin
Stanford 'Steve' Arrington has been a community activist and advocate in the field of HIV/AIDS. In 1990, he founded 'Blacks, Gays. and Lesbians United Against AIDS' in Denver with the Colorado AIDS Project.
Steve's work emphasizes combating stigma, discrimination, and inequalities affecting people of color living with HIV/AIDS.
Our Pillars of Service
Outreach Case Management
Community Engagement
Center Programming
Our Service Offerings
Outreach Case Management
Community Engagement
Center Programming
Our Board
Executive Director
Steve Arrington
Executive Committee President
Yvonne Oliver
Vice President
Jimmie Howard
Treasury
Rev. Robert Dreese
Secretary
Lillie Jackson
Marquetta Wooston
Dionne Miller-Fitch
Hertistine Price
Paula Smith
Courtney Calhoun
Our Partners
Interested in becoming a partner? Contact us at admin@ohioaac.org
Get in touch with us.
Hours
Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm
Mailing Address
652 W Exchange Street, Akron, OH 44302
Phone Number
Instagram
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