Marvell Terry II

Marvell L. Terry II (he, him, his) is a powerhouse educator, grassroots activist, and cultural organizer from Memphis, Tennessee, USA, who currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. His involvement in HIV advocacy, philanthropy, and cultural organizing is deeply personal. The moment he received a positive diagnosis of HIV was a turning point that jump-started his more than decade-long career, which has had a significant impact not only domestically but also internationally. His journey with HIV is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the cause.

Marvell has been a driving force in HIV advocacy, philanthropy, and cultural organizing spaces, holding significant leadership roles. His influence is evident in his critical positions at the Young Black Gay Men’s Leadership Initiative, Human Rights Campaign Foundation, AIDS United, and Columbia University. His initiatives, such as the annual Saving Ourselves Symposium and BLK in the South Summit, have not only demonstrated his commitment to mobilizing communities, identities, and geographic locations around issues of HIV and social injustices but also led to tangible changes in these areas. These initiatives stand as beacons of hope and inspiration for the communities he serves.  

Marvell’s commitment to social justice is unwavering, as demonstrated by his role as a founding member of the HIV Racial Justice Network. He has also served as a board member for Hope House (Memphis, USA, 2022-2023) and an advisory board member for Wake Forest University School of Divinity. In September 2023, Marvell was sworn in as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS during the 78th Full Council meeting, where he is a member of the Stigma and Dispartisies subcommittee and leads the HIV Criminalization and Discrimination working group. His writings have not only made a mark in the local scene but have also resonated globally. They have appeared in the Journal of Health and Disparities Research and Practice, Rhetoric of Health and Medicine, TheBody.Com, and, most recently, the International AIDS Society in Munich, Germany. Marvell’s global impact is a source of pride and connection for the communities he represents.