Toni Newman, who identifies as transgender, has been announced as the interim CEO of the Black AIDS Institute. Photo: Toni Newman.
After the abrupt departure of Raniyah Copeland as CEO of the storied Black AIDS Institute, the nonprofit hired a trans woman to take her place, at least temporarily.
The 23-year-old organization last month that Toni Newman, currently the interim CEO at the San Francisco-based LGBTQ+ organization LYRIC, will soon be BAI’s new interim CEO.
BAI also announced Dr. Kemal M. Atkins will serve as its managing director “to help fortify BAI’s infrastructure and round out the organization’s stellar leadership team.” Atkins will serve as a consultant and work on a temporary basis as he solidifies the organization, which is