Chris Bland (he, him)
City: New York, NY
Profession: Director at a Public Health Non-Profit
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Favorite Movie: The Color Purple
Farthest Travel Destination: Cape Town, South Africa
Unique Interest: Travel and collecting magnets from Broadway theaters
Chris Bland works a Director for Cicatelli Associates, Inc (CAI) a non-profit organization action committee to health equity and improving health care and social services for various communities. Chris has worked in the field of HIV/AIDS for more than 30 years (with an emphasis on Black LGBTQ+ folk as an advocate, consultant, service provider) and has been living with HIV for more than 40 years. Chris is originally from Virginia and has a BS Public Health from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MPH and MBA from UCLA. He’s an avid championship bowler and a tennis gold medalist from the Gay Games (Guadalajara’23).
If elected, what would you bring to The Blackyard Collective and the BYC Advisory Board?
My election would contribute a strong voice for sustainability of the board. I bring the ability to operationalize the practices of the board by codifying practice into written policy and procedure. I will add to the ability of respecting the expertise of those dedicating their time, and energy to the board, while minimizing conflict. I bring the ability to share perspectives and support the growth and development of those around me.
I would bring grounding, clarity, and a deep commitment to community healing. I’m ready to hold space for the difficult but necessary conversations within our Black and LGBTQ+ circles—especially around recovery, accountability, and truth-telling. I believe in joy as resistance, care as strategy, and building spaces where we can grow, heal, and stay rooted in our shared liberation.
Community Empowerment, Partner collaborations, Creative healing groups/Workshops, Fundraising on the mission to continue doing great work.
I bring the balanced perspective of someone with many years of lived experiences in education as well as in business. I have learned to see things from both sides, and have learned to give people the benefit of the doubt. Most people are trying really hard to be their authentic selves, and I try to help them manifest it. I will bring this approach to the table. Lastly, I will bring the same love and acceptance to others that God has graced me with.
If elected to the BYC Advisory Board, I bring a wealth of experience with non-profit organizations as a staff member, board member, fundraiser and strategic consultant. I contribute my experience in LGBTQ+ folk as an advocate, more that 25 years experience/Auntie wisdom in 12-step recovery and my social/civic experience through my 40+ years as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. In addition to my wisdom and experience, I bring my love for black folk, my desire to give back to our community and my effervescent joy (there will be laughter). And I like to handle business. I love and support the mission and vision of BYC! And I make a mean Mac n Cheese for potlucks!
