This week, colleagues and friends worldwide mourn the passing of A. Cornelius Baker, a guiding light for the HIV, LGBTQ+, and global health communities—a champion for health equity who consistently led by example, inspiring those around him to strive for the highest ideals.
“It is hard to overstate the impact of his loss to the public health and HIV/AIDS communities or the place he held in my heart, personally,” said Kaye Hayes, MPA, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infectious Disease and Director of the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP).
“He pressed us, he charged us, he pulled us, he pushed us. With unwavering devotion to the HIV movement, he represented a north star, building coalitions across all sectors and working with leaders across the political spectrum to address health disparities and advocate for access to HIV treatment and care for all. He would say, ‘The work is not done, the charge is still there, go forth—you know what you need to do.’ I keep that in my ear and in my heart around this work.”
“Cornelius embraced his role as a mentor, offering his guidance to countless young people, especially young Black gay men,” said Timothy Harrison, PhD, Principal Deputy Director, OIDP. “He was always willing to be a resource and to serve as a connector of people and ideas all the while reminding us of the history that brought us here and challenging us to lead with our humanity in tow. I’m forever grateful for his decades of leadership and service. Well done, my friend. Rest easy.”
Cornelius was a change-maker and truth-teller. From his leadership in the formation of what is now OIDP to his continued work to support the goals and objectives of the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund and the global response to HIV through PEPFAR, he was instrumental in creating a holistic response to HIV. His contributions included helping to launch the first national organization of people with HIV and serving as the executive director of the Whitman-Walker Clinic.
He also served as a leader on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). “He reminded us that we need to center our work around people with lived experience and bring the whole person to the work that we do,” said PACHA Executive Director Caroline Talev. A true visionary, he was equally comfortable speaking about HIV at a White House state dinner as he was at a small rural town meeting.
“His passing is a significant loss for the public health community and for so many more who benefited from Cornelius’ vigilance,” said Hayes. “His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us all.”