The number of African American women infected with HIV in Washington, D.C. is growing at an alarming rate. However, the perspectives of these women on engaging communities in the response to HIV/AIDS have been lacking in the literature. To fill this gap, in-depth interviews with 18 HIV-positive African American women living in D.C. were conducted and analyzed using thematic network analysis. Three key themes emerged from these interview: (1) the importance of the church in building HIV/AIDS community competence; (2) women's interest in HIV/AIDS advocacy; and, (3) the negative effects of stigma and limited social bonds on community engagement. We conclude by suggesting that more research is needed on the role of African American women in community capacity building, as well as greater involvement of churches in HIV/AIDS responses.
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