Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Kent Sack, one of the founders of Rainbow Community Center.

Kent was instrumental in building Rainbow into the organization it is today. As a member of our inaugural Board of Directors in 1996, he helped guide the Center through its earliest years following its transition to an independent nonprofit. His leadership helped secure Rainbow’s first permanent home in Pleasant Hill and opened the doors to a future of hope, connection, and belonging for thousands in our community.

His commitment to Rainbow never wavered. During one of the Center’s most challenging financial periods in 2005, Kent stepped in as Interim Executive Director on a volunteer basis, helping stabilize the organization and preserve its mission. Even after his leadership role ended, he remained an Emeritus leader, mentor, advocate, and friend to Rainbow and the LGBTQ+ community.

Kent was also a passionate advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to expand access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and compassionate care. He believed deeply that every person deserved dignity, support, and equitable healthcare, and he dedicated countless hours to advancing public health and improving the lives of those impacted by HIV. His leadership and advocacy helped shape a stronger, more compassionate response to the epidemic in Contra Costa County and beyond.

Kent once said, “I have a real loyalty and am certainly committed to the programming and mission of the center, and I have been since the very beginning.” Those words were more than a reflection of his values. They were the way he lived his life.

His vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication laid the foundation for the Rainbow Community Center we are honored to serve today. His legacy lives on not only in the organization he helped build, but in the countless lives he touched through his leadership, mentorship, public health advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Thank you, Kent, for your extraordinary leadership, your kindness, and your lifelong service to our community. Your impact will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Dr. Kent Sack. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.