Video: Jose de Marco reads a letter from Asia Russell at John Bell's memorial service

At the memorial for AIDS activist and teacher John Bell, longtime ACT UP Philadelphia organizer Jose de Marco reads a letter from Asia Russell of the Health Global Access Project (GAP), who could not be at the event.

Russell's letter shines a light on Bell's work fighting for HIV medications for all -- an effort that has meant more than 8 million people in the poorest countries in the world now have access to HIV treatment: "In Health GAP, we remember John Bell not only as a local Philadelphia community organizer, legend, activist, teacher, mentor and protester against all forms of injustice, but also as an engine driving grassroots mobilization in support of global treatment access. We would not be where we are today if it were not for his vision."

Learn more about Health GAP at http://www.healthgap.org/

Video: Waheedah Shabazz-El speaking at John Bell's memorial service, 10/5/12

ACT UP Philadelphia mourns the loss of John Bell, who was a trailblazing organizer with ACT UP, a mentor to countless activists, a lifeline to people in jail living with HIV, and a teacher at Philadelphia FIGHT, where he cofounded the TEACH Outside program. 

At the memorial service for John Bell on Friday, October 5, Waheedah Shabazz-El spoke about his passionate dedication to ACT UP Philadelphia; fighting for HIV prevention and medications for people around the planet; sharing principles for building a better world; and his work teaching and reaching out to incarcerated people living with HIV.

She also speaks about her own journey, made smoother and enriched by his mentorship: "He gave me hope that day.... He gave me the bridge I needed... to come out of that troubled water. And when I came to the other side, there you all were—this loving community."