May 30, 2019: The staff, Board of Directors, and membership body at Positive Women’s Network – USA want to express our heartfelt condolences for the sudden, unexpected loss of one of our most celebrated sisters, Mary Bowman, at only 30 years old.

Mary, who was born with HIV, was a poet, songwriter, and spoken word artist who was not afraid to tackle tough subjects, including HIV, in her work. Her poem, “Dandelions,” which she performed at the 2014 SPEAK UP! Summit, is a favorite among advocates in the HIV community. 

Here are just a few things our staff and members wanted to share about their time spent with Mary. 

“I had heard of Mary Bowman the first year I began advocating for people living with HIV. I had the privilege to meet her at AIDSWatch in 2015 and even though I was new to advocacy and intimidated by everything happening around me, Mary took the time to talk to me. I remember feeling empowered enough to brave those hill visits on behalf of my community. To hear her spoken word reveal such truth about her journey inspired me to be the unapologetic, compassionate advocate I saw in her.”
— Tiommi Luckett
“She had a beautiful Spirit
She had a beautiful Soul
Her spoken words were golden
Her presence beholds
A sigh of relief and even though
She isn’t here physically
Mary Bowman will forever be with us SPIRITUALLY
We cry out to you our Angel
We cry out to you
Our PWN Spoken Word GODDESS Forever.”
— Stacy Jennings
“When I first saw you, I instantly feel in love. I had no idea who you were or what you did but your presence, your being reached out to me in a way I had never known. I only told one other person about my crush and as the years went by, my crush grew, but I knew how happy your were with the one you loved. I loved from a distance. You will always have a special place in my heart. Rest in Peace.” — Vickie 
“Mary was my 1st bonus daughter (I met her when she was 16 y/o and we adopted each other) and she was a source of light in my sometimes dark world. Mary was the “still water that ran deep!” I miss her so much already!”
– Gina Brown
“Mary B. you are and will forever be a ray of sunshine, you spoke meaning to life, overcame adversity and conquered the hearts of many worldwide. SisterLove forever!” — Lepena Reid
“I recall the happy time I spent with Mary Sat Nov 10, 2018 in Philadelphia. After her performance at our LGBT Center I invited Mary to the UniverSoul Circus with me and my family. I know what sheer joy looks like b/c I saw it in Mary’s eyes and in her demeanor that night. Being with Mary that evening was like being wrapped in joy. That is the memory God gave to me about Mary, a gift of joy – I will ever cherish.” — Waheedah Shabazz-El
“Our lives are never ours. We share your trials, tribulations and joys to help others. God is undoubtedly saying ‘Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant.‘”
— Andrea Johnson
“What a soldier with good heart even we never meet but we always chart. SOUTH AFRICA.”
— Monica
“My sisterlove, sister thank you for sharing your poetry with me. I will never forget you and your spirit. I want to thank you for being a sister, warrior, poet and most importantly a fighter. Rest with the angels.”
— Yolanda Diaz
“Beautiful Mary,
Gone but not forgotten, you gave us joy and laughter, you gave us a sister to rely on, you gave us hope, you gave us poetry, you gave us you. Until we meet again, I love you my sister and thank you.”
— Alecia Tramel
“The first time I heard her recite a poem, I knew I would never be the same again as her words pierced my soul. She is now, what she once recited, an ancestor who will guide us on our busy path until we’ll need assistance no more. She was wise beyond her years and her legacy will live amongst the ages.”
— Octavia Lewis, MPA