In Support of Frank Oldham, Jr - A Signed Petition from Former NAPWA Board Members and HIV/AIDS Advocates and Activists
44 Comments
T
Tracy Fischman
10 years ago
I am both outraged and heartbroken by this entire situation and Frank's sentencing to jail. I was in the court room to be with Frank - a day we thought would end in his ability to finally move on with his life. Instead, my dear friend, mentor, and colleague Frank Oldham, Jr. was sentenced to six months in jail. Several of us were with Frank in that Montgomery, MD courthouse, and on that day - which will be etched in my memory forever more - we watched this 67-year old Black gay man living with HIV handcuffed - handcuffed and jailed after having already plea bargained to a misdemeanor and paying restitution. Frank has spent decades fighting for the lives and rights of people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. He's been a tireless advocate and leader, and he received many letters of support - including mine - that were submitted to the court on his behalf. Frank worked so hard to keep NAPWA's doors open, but he didn't have the support he needed. And in that court room on that sad day, there was no justice. Now, a kind, gentle, dedicated advocate for justice and some of our nation's most vulnerable communities is in jail. I will do all I can to restore Frank's legacy and to ensure that he can continue his service to communities. I will not be quiet any longer. When "no jail time" was the recommendation of the Pre-Sentencing Investigator, let's hope the judge re-considers the sentence and allows Frank to move on with his life. I am confident this petition will be signed by many who know, worked, with, and care about Frank. And justice.
D
David Sheon
· petition starter
10 years ago
Featured
Frank has taught me so much about HIV advocacy. He took pay cuts along the way to make things work at NAPWA. He deserves our appreciation and respect.
T
Thomas Petty
10 years ago
Featured
Frank Oldham worked tirelessly for decades to support and to bring life-saving treatments and comfort to people living with HIV and AIDS, and he notably worked tirelessly to sustain the financial viability of NAPWA during times that challenged all non-profits. He was wrongly accused and unfairly sentenced, and yet, remains optimistic and uncritical. STAY GREAT, Frank
I am both outraged and heartbroken by this entire situation and Frank's sentencing to jail. I was in the court room to be with Frank - a day we thought would end in his ability to finally move on with his life. Instead, my dear friend, mentor, and colleague Frank Oldham, Jr. was sentenced to six months in jail. Several of us were with Frank in that Montgomery, MD courthouse, and on that day - which will be etched in my memory forever more - we watched this 67-year old Black gay man living with HIV handcuffed - handcuffed and jailed after having already plea bargained to a misdemeanor and paying restitution. Frank has spent decades fighting for the lives and rights of people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. He's been a tireless advocate and leader, and he received many letters of support - including mine - that were submitted to the court on his behalf. Frank worked so hard to keep NAPWA's doors open, but he didn't have the support he needed. And in that court room on that sad day, there was no justice. Now, a kind, gentle, dedicated advocate for justice and some of our nation's most vulnerable communities is in jail. I will do all I can to restore Frank's legacy and to ensure that he can continue his service to communities. I will not be quiet any longer. When "no jail time" was the recommendation of the Pre-Sentencing Investigator, let's hope the judge re-considers the sentence and allows Frank to move on with his life. I am confident this petition will be signed by many who know, worked, with, and care about Frank. And justice.
Frank has taught me so much about HIV advocacy. He took pay cuts along the way to make things work at NAPWA. He deserves our appreciation and respect.
Frank Oldham worked tirelessly for decades to support and to bring life-saving treatments and comfort to people living with HIV and AIDS, and he notably worked tirelessly to sustain the financial viability of NAPWA during times that challenged all non-profits. He was wrongly accused and unfairly sentenced, and yet, remains optimistic and uncritical. STAY GREAT, Frank
The truth shall prevail.