Mazzoni: 1979/2009

Producer: Jai Rice

In 1979, a small group of passionate volunteers came together to form Lavender Health. 30 years later, their passion and vision has evolved into the Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia's oldest health organization specifically targeting the needs of the city's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and transgendered communities. In this piece, we explore the organization's beginnings, its shift during the AIDS crises during the 80's and 90's, and its subsequent return to a holistic LGBT health organization. Mazzoni has benefited Philadelphia for 30 years now and will continue to provide support for this city's LGBT communities.

Jai Rice is an independent filmmaker and fashion photographer. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Jai moved to Philadelphia to attend Drexel University. After college, Jai decided to stay in Philly to continue his passion of filmmaking. Jai thrives on creativity and finding new and edgy ways to educate the public using various types of media.