Third World AIDS Advisory Task Force records, 1985-1992

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Summary

Creators:
Third World AIDS Advisory Task Force
Abstract:
Materials from the Third World AIDS Advisory Task Force, and other similar organizations, consisting of meeting minutes, organizational records, and correspondence. Materials from other organizations were compiled by members of TWAAFT.
Extent:
Number of containers: 2 cartons Linear feet: 2
Language:
Collection materials are in English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection provides a good overview of the evolution of a multicultural perspective in the response to AIDS in San Francisco. The materials consist of meeting minutes, organizational records, and correspondence. There are also materials from other organizations, compiled by members of TWAAFT, found in the second series. This collection is organized into two series: "TWAAFT Records" and "Information Regarding other AIDS Related Agencies and Services." The second series has been further organized into four subseries, by subject matter.

Biographical / historical:

The Third World AIDS Advisory Task Force (TWAATF) was the first organization in San Francisco to focus on the needs of people of color affected by AIDS. The actual founding date was never recorded, but it appears to have been in the later part of 1985. Principal founders were Ernest Andrews, Calu Lester, and Larry Saxon, and other early leaders included Norm Nickens and Pat Norman. One of its first accomplishments was the organization of a Conference on Ethnic Minorities and AIDS, held at UCSF in 1986. That conference drew more people into active involvement, including Hank Tavera, who was later elected Chair of TWAAFT.

TWAAFT activities primarily involved advocacy for people of color with AIDS, as well as lobbying for support of agencies that served and supported people of color. This collection documents how TWAAFT - and other coalitions that subsequently evolved - pressured the Health Commission, the San Francisco AIDS Office, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Shanti Project, and other AIDS organizations to deal with issues of race and the need for a multicultural approach to education and treatment. Among the results of this campaign was the formation by the San Francisco AIDS Office of a Minority AIDS Advisory Committee (renamed people of color HIV Advisory Committee in 1990). While TWAAFT was primarily a watchdog and advocacy organization, key members were also active in the AIDS/ARC Vigil and other groups, as well as needle exchanges, immigration rights, and numerous other social issues. TWAATF representatives also sat on the initial Ryan White Care Council. With the growth of other organizations serving people of color with AIDS however, the original role that TWAATF served had diminished, and its final meetings were held in 1991.

Acquisition information:
The Third World AIDS Advisory Task Force Records were donated to UCSF in 1995.
Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog: http://www.library.ucsf.edu/.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
UCSF Library & CKM Archives and Special Collections, 530 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143-0840, US