When B.Michael tested HIV-positive in November 1992, he began shifting his perspective from one of managing an illness to focusing on wellness. He opted not to take the potent HIV medications prescribed by his physician; instead, he actively explored complementary therapies and avenues for attending to his emotional, psychological and spiritual health.
On at least one occasion, B.Michael went on retreat with other Black gay men through Adodi, a “spiritually uplifting [movement] of same gender loving men of African descent …” He is pictured above in the lower right-hand corner, wearing glasses, sideburns, and a beanie, at an Adodi gathering during the summer of 1995. Included below is the note accompanying the photo from one of the retreat participants, who also refers to B.Michael reading his essay, “I Have Come Here to Die.”
1995H-adodi-retreat-post-note