It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Cornelius Baker, who passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 9. He was a leader in the HIV community, an advocate for civil rights, a beloved mentor, and a fierce advocate for the HPTN’s scientific agenda. Cornelius brought joy and laughter to those around him with his optimistic and warm personality while challenging leaders to think more critically about the HIV response. Family and friends are planning a memorial in his honor. Details will be shared when available.
Over the past four decades, Cornelius worked at every level of the HIV response, starting as a volunteer fundraiser during the epidemic’s early days, leading prominent organizations and initiatives, and holding government appointments. Cornelius served as a senior policy advisor for the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition, senior technical advisor at FHI 360, executive director of Whitman-Walker Clinic, and executive director of the National Association of People with AIDS. President George H.W. Bush appointed Cornelius as a confidential assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Health from 1989 to 1992. From 2009 to 2014, he was an appointee of President Obama to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Cornelius lectured at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta.
Cornelius lived a strong and meaningful life, and we are so grateful to have had him with us on this journey. He has enriched our lives and enhanced our response to HIV/AIDS through the HPTN and numerous other paths.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.