Our Founder & CEO

Cornelius Mabin is a native Arkansan who attended Arkansas State University and Philander Smith College, where he majored in broadcasting and political science. Mabin currently serves as Co-Chair of the Arkansas HIV Prevention Group, is the first openly gay Black man living with HIV to serve on the group’s board, and has been re-elected to the position for three consecutive terms.

In 2018 Mabin partnered with Future Builders, Inc., to provide both HIV prevention and Hepatitis C services. In 2016 he helped lead development of Arkansas’s Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan as well as the state’s first Prep awareness campaign, “Prep 2 Live.” In 2017 through 2019 he also produced the state’s multi-site HIV-screening event in recognition of National HIV Testing Day from in partnership with Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS.

He has served as a national board member of the multi-cultural group, Black and White Men Together, Inc., which awarded him the 1985 Personal Achievement Award for chapter development in Little Rock, and in both 2010 and 2011 he was recognized for his continued work and dedication to addressing homophobia, interracial unity, and participation in the Healing Racism Institute.

In 1983 Mabin served as the first African-American President of one of Arkansas’s first LGBT advocacy group, Arkansas Gay Rights (AGR). During his tenure, he openly testified before the Arkansas State Legislature concerning a University of Arkansas group’s access to campus facilities and encouraged diversity training be provided at college campuses statewide. Subsequently, AGR bestowed its 1983 Outstanding Performance Award for Mabin’s pursuit of human rights for Arkansas’s gay community. He has also served as the Chairperson of Arkansas Gay Pride, lobbied state congressional delegations to increase resources to support with HIV/AIDS resources, served on the board of the Arkansas AIDS Foundation board member, and acted as the Royalty Court Member of the Arkansas Diamond State Rodeo Association.

About the Strilite Foundation

The Strilite Foundation, is a nonprofit organization that exists to enhance the health and wellness of our community members, especially individuals who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and all people who live and work in our neighborhoods. Strilite serves as a contractor that provides HIV and hepatitis C prevention programming, health navigation, capacity building, and educational programming. Our name reflects our goal to “Reach, Affirm, Positive, Progressive, Systems.” We are determined to address structural and environmental inequality to support Arkansans who are at greatest risk of HIV infection.

Furthermore, we recognize that according to the Centers for Disease Control, over 50% of individuals living with HIV are now 55 years or older, and we must be prepared to address issues faced by long-term survivors. Arkansas RAPPS provides high-quality, comprehensive HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention as well as culturally responsive training to improve the overall health of communities across Arkansas.

Our Journey

Since 2014, Arkansas RAPPS and The Strilite Foundation have served over 600 individuals. We continue to connect Arkansans to healthcare services as well as increase access to insurance and viral suppression drugs. We also create safe spaces for same-gender-loving individuals, such as our especially popular “Welcome to the Living Room Series” hosted in 2016.

Our programs have increased access to the most up-to-date and accurate information via our website and social media platforms. We have also led the largest HIV-testing events in Arkansas—in June 2017 we helped 150 individuals get tested, and in 2018 we helped 250 individuals get tested in a single-day event hosted at six sites. We have have partnered with various organizations to provide 2,000 health materials and one million condoms distributed at more than 30 health fairs, expos, conferences, media events, and seminars.

Our Four Pillars 

Unity

Strength

Hope

Together we are linked in life and death 

Our Philosophy 

• We believe in a holistic approach to HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and support.
• We recognize HIV/AIDS as a manageable, chronic disease.
• We acknowledge the presence and impact of racism, sexism, heterosexism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination on the lives of those we serve affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Our organization is preparing to both generate and access innovative approaches aimed at increasing technical assistance and other Capacity Building Actives (CBA) to community members, partners, consumers and stakeholders throughout our service area.

Arkansas RAPPS believes ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic is possible, but only by closing any gaps in access to HIV prevention, treatment, and support services that make it possible for individuals to remain in a care continuum. Ending new infections is a matter of social justice. As such, we empower and enable Arkansans by connecting them to the support they need.

Our Partners

Our Board of Directors 

Mr. James McLaughlin serves as President of the Board and has been active supporter since its inception in 2017. Currently he is employed as a Traffic Manager for a local surface parking service. Mr. McLaughlin has passionately supported numerous causes ranging from Salvation Army Christmas Tree sponsor, leading fund-raising campaigns and commodities for AIDS Walk events to volunteering as a community gardener to share the harvest with community members.

Ms. Carliesha Murry serves as board Vice-President and has been engaged both professionally and personally in health and wellness activities. In 2009 she completed her education at University of Pine Bluff with a BA degree in marketing and communications, Master’s Degree in Psychology in 2012 from the University of Phoenix and graduated in 2015 from African-American HIV University presented by the Black AIDS Institute. She currently is HOPWA Program Administrator for Pulaski County Community Services.

Mr. Keith Jones serves as the organizations Secretary. Professionally Mr. Jones is a photographer working with companies like Olan Mills and J.C. Penny Portrait Studios. For the past 5 years, he has actively involved with two local non-profits serving as both volunteer and supporter. At this time, he is an independent contractor with the Arkansas Department of Health as a Community Connector that is designed to assist individuals with HIV screening or linkage to care services.

Mr. Jack Lin, PharmD, MBA.  Walgreens Community Specialty Pharmacy, Little Rock, AR.  Jack is a native of Little Rock, he received his Bachelor of Science from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA and PharmD/MBA from Harding University College of Pharmacy in Searcy, AR.  He has been with Walgreens as a pharmacist since 2013.  In free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Megan and two daughters.  He is a bit of a gym rat and a foodie.