Lessons and Insights Gained by Gerald Garth at AMAAD Institute

Gerald Garth’s time at the AMAAD Institute has been deeply transformative, both for the organization and for his own leadership journey. Here are some key reflections and learnings based on his public statements and work.

In a blog post titled “The Day After: We Gon’ Be Alright,” Garth shared a moment of vulnerability and resilience with his team at AMAAD. He facilitated a processing circle where staff expressed feelings of frustration, exhaustion, and overwhelm—especially in the face of political and social challenges. Through dialogue, they moved toward healing and solidarity. This moment reflects Garth’s belief in healing as a form of leadership and the importance of creating space for emotional truth in movement work.

As Executive Director, Garth has been a vocal advocate for health equity, particularly in addressing systemic barriers in healthcare access for Black and LGBTQ+ communities. In a 2024 op-ed, he emphasized AMAAD’s role in fighting for transparency in the pharmaceutical system and championing reforms that would benefit underserved populations. This advocacy underscores his growth as a policy influencer and systems thinker.

Since joining AMAAD in 2017, Garth has helped expand the organization’s services to include:

• Housing support

• Substance use and addiction recovery

• Behavioral and mental health services

• HIV prevention and care

• Reentry support

• Community-building and advocacy programs

  
  

This growth reflects his ability to scale impact while staying rooted in community needs.

Garth’s leadership is also marked by his reverence for those who came before him and his commitment to lifting up the next generation. His work at AMAAD is a continuation of that legacy, blending activism, healing, and innovation.