Jan. 6, 2021 - National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) Executive Director Paul Kawata has released the following statement on today's attack on the U.S. Capitol.

"NMAC is completely saddened, sickened, and in total shock over the riots at the U.S. Capitol today. We firmly believe in democracy and the democratic process, however flawed and in need of reforms they may be."

"It also demonstrated the pervasiveness of systemic racism in America. The law enforcement response to this attack was shockingly inept and stands in stark contrast to the methods used during mostly peaceful Black Lives Matter protests last summer."

"It's clear that NMAC's mission to lead with race is even more vital than we have believed. There must be answers as to what happened and why and reforms must be implemented swiftly."

NMAC leads with race to urgently fight for health equity and racial justice to end the HIV epidemic in America. Since 1987, NMAC has advanced our mission through a variety of programs and services, including: a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment and research program, numerous electronic and print materials, and a website: Article Link Here . NMAC also serves as an association of AIDS service organizations, providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics, and other groups assisting individuals and families affected by the HIV epidemic.