Rafiki Is Your Third Space: A Letter from Our Executive Director

Dear Friends, Partners, and Neighbors,

Black History Month reminds us that community spaces have long been places where Black culture is celebrated, community bonds are strengthened, and collective resilience is built across generations. Safe spaces beyond home and work, often called third spaces, have been essential for Black and marginalized communities. Churches, social clubs, community centers, and cultural hubs have provided spaces to gather, organize, heal, and support one another, preserving dignity and fostering collective strength.

For more than four decades, Rafiki Coalition has served as a trusted third space, where community members can access culturally rooted care, receive support without judgment, and connect to essential resources.

As the need for safe, trusted community spaces continues to grow, Rafiki remains committed to strengthening the care available within our community care ecosystem. In response to increasing demand, we have expanded our mental and behavioral health services, welcoming Dr. Akilah Reynolds, PhD,“our new Clinical Director for our Mental Health Clinic, whose leadership strengthens our ability to provide culturally responsive mental health care while supporting the next generation of clinicians serving our community.

This April, we will deepen this commitment through the relaunch of the African American Community Health Equity Council (AACHEC), bringing together trusted community organizations and leaders across San Francisco to ensure that the voices and needs of Black communities are centered in the city’s health priorities. By strengthening partnerships and aligning community leadership, we are working to ensure that the spaces and systems meant to support our communities truly serve them.

Because our communities already hold the leadership and solutions we need.

Because real and lasting change grows from within our community.

Because when we honor these third spaces and the people who rely on them, our whole city becomes healthier.

We invite you to join us in protecting and strengthening the community spaces that care for so many. Together, we can ensure these spaces, and the people who rely on them, continue to support future generations of Black and marginalized San Franciscans, helping our communities remain healthy, connected, and supported for decades to come.

In honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., we are reminded:

“When everyone is included, everyone wins.”

Sincerely,

Shanell Williams

Rafiki Coalition Executive Director