A Celebration 40 Years in the Making:
Rafiki Coalition’s Summer Soirée
On June 10, 2026, we welcomed community members, leaders, partners, and supporters to Pier 27, set against the beautiful backdrop of San Francisco’s waterfront, for an unforgettable evening celebrating 40 years of community healing, whole-person care, and advancing Black health equity.
Our 40th Anniversary Summer Soirée was both a celebration of Rafiki Coalition’s legacy and a powerful call to invest in our future. For four decades, our work has been rooted in culture, dignity, trust, and community leadership. The evening brought together the people and partners who have helped make that work possible while building momentum for the next 40 years.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our attendees, sponsors, and supporters, together we raised more than $250,000 to help sustain our free, whole-person health and wellness services and ensure that culturally affirming care remains accessible to the community members who need it most.
In case you missed it, here’s a look back at an incredible evening celebrating four decades of impact, community, and collective commitment to advancing Black health equity.
An Evening of Reflection, Celebration, and Joy
From the moment guests arrived, the evening reflected the spirit of community that has been at the heart of Rafiki Coalition for 40 years. The celebration began with a cocktail reception and networking, accompanied by jazz flutist William Underwood and performances by The Instrument Petting Zoo.
Acclaimed actor, director, and producer Terri J. Vaughn served as emcee, guiding guests through an evening of reflection, recognition, and celebration. We were honored to welcome San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and elected officials who joined our community in recognizing this milestone and celebrating Rafiki Coalition’s continued impact across San Francisco.
The program opened with a deeply moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Malkia Criswell Neal, followed by a grounding opening prayer and community reflection led by Reverend Dr. Scott. Executive Director Shanell Williams addressed guests, sharing her vision for Rafiki Coalition’s next chapter and the continued commitment to ensuring whole-person, culturally affirming care remains accessible and community-led for generations to come.
Throughout the evening, moments of reflection were balanced with joy and celebration, culminating in a live performance by Martin Luther McCoy and his band. Together, these moments created space to honor Rafiki Coalition’s history, celebrate the people who have carried the work forward, and imagine what is possible in the decades ahead.
Celebrating Leadership, Legacy, and Service
The evening recognized an extraordinary group of leaders and changemakers whose work continues to advance health equity, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. We were proud to honor Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, U.S. Representative for California’s 12th Congressional District; Nicole Taylor, President and CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation; Dr. Kim Rhoads of Umoja Health; Chuck Collins, former CEO of the YMCA of San Francisco; and Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network.
The celebration also honored two longtime members of the Rafiki Coalition team whose dedication and service have touched countless lives. Francis Broome, Director of Housing, was recognized for 25 years of sustaining sanctuary and care at the Brandy Moore House, while Maxine Tatmon-Gilkerson, Wellness and Special Events Coordinator, was honored for 18 years of fostering communal joy and wellness.
An Ode to Our Community & Supporters
We extend our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors, the California Institute of Integral Studies, Kaiser Permanente, Prologis, Stupski Foundation, and Genentech, whose support helped bring this milestone celebration to life. We also thank Red Door Catering for providing a wonderful dining experience and LeBlanc and Associates, LLC for the event management and care that helped make the evening so special.
To everyone who attended and participated in the live auction and Fund-A-Need, or made a contribution, thank you. We are equally grateful to our honorees, performers, elected leaders, community partners, staff, volunteers, and every guest who celebrated alongside us.
As we look toward the next 40 years, we invite you to continue standing with Rafiki Coalition. Your support helps ensure that healing, wellness, and culturally affirming care remain accessible to the communities we serve.
Support Rafiki’s Next 40 Years
