My recent trip to Sacramento, California, to advocate for the End the Epidemics Day of Action with GLIDE, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and the Shanti Project was an experience that profoundly transformed me. As a young African American man cured of Hepatitis C, I felt empowered and inspired throughout the week. From meeting with lawmakers to discussing the importance of the 2025 legislative budget process, every moment was filled with purpose and fulfillment.

It all began with a single email from the GLIDE Social Justice Academy (SJA) Team, inviting me to participate in the 2025 SJA 2nd Cohort—a community learning center that harnesses the wisdom and expertise of those impacted by systemic inequities. Less than six months later, I found myself at the State Capitol, equipped with the tools, resources, and confidence to advocate for the San Francisco community alongside state representatives and senators, pushing for legislation that would improve the lives of people across our Golden State of California.

After months of training in advocacy and legislation, the day finally arrived. As I walked through the halls of the Capitol building—dressed in my purple Nike polo, favorite Levi’s jeans, a fresh haircut, and my GLIDE Center for Social Justice scarf—I felt energized and ready to make a difference.

My first congressional meeting, with Senator Scott Wiener’s office, was nerve-wracking. However, as I introduced myself as a third-generation native San Franciscan and emphasized the critical importance of protecting the California Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Initiative (COPHRI), my confidence grew. The meeting went exceptionally well, and I left feeling prepared for the day ahead.

          Dudley in Sacramento with members of SJA and GLIDE staff, including Michael 
                Discepola, GLIDE’s Senior Director of Health access (first person on the L)

In my second meeting, I put my sharpened advocacy skills and growing confidence to work, educating a staffer from Assembly Member Gail Pellerin’s office (Santa Cruz County) about the challenges facing my community and how the legislation we were supporting could create meaningful change. She was receptive and compassionate—a response I deeply appreciated and hadn’t expected.

The day was a whirlwind of meetings, each offering a unique experience. Some staffers were receptive; others, more resistant. But I remained determined, using my voice to champion the End the Epidemics Day of Action 2025 policy agenda. This was bigger than me—my community’s well-being was on the line. We were fighting to protect funding for critical services that so many rely on.

As the day unfolded, I realized I never would have dreamed of such an opportunity—it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being part of the democratic process in this way felt surreal and deeply humbling.

At the end of the day, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. I had met with lawmakers, raised awareness about vital issues, and collaborated with fellow advocates to ensure our voices were heard. The experience transformed me, instilling a deeper sense of purpose and newfound confidence.

Since returning from Sacramento, I’ve been excited to follow the progress of the GLIDE SJA Cohort and the developments I hope to see in the coming weeks. It was a rewarding, empowering experience, and I am confident that we’ve made a tangible difference in the lives of others.