World AIDS Day: Light To Unite

[ykimber]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Thanks Kim for passing this story on.

No problem! I am happy to see a program that will help get young african american teens tested for a deadly disease.

[msn4med1975]

Originally posted by preciousjeni
I'm sorry but, WTH?? People in the study were given a placebo (which is normal) but they were subjected to the virus???? How much did they get paid for THAT??

They were only exposed to the virus through their own sexual activity. I think purposely infecting someone with HIV, study or otherwise, is subject to prosecution. I mean I know that people that don't disclose their status as HIV positive have and can be arrested and tried for that behavior. Anyway, I think they only recruited people that were engaging in risky behavior to begin with and that wouldn't stop doing so just because they were under study. As scary as it is there are still people who don't protect themselves when they are having sex so vaccine or not they will be acting up.

[ykimber]

Teens get lesson in AIDS
By HANNAN ADELY
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: March 14, 2004)

Health class, television, newspapers — those are some of the places teen-agers said yesterday they get their information about HIV and AIDS. Still, some of the teens gathered in the auditorium of Woodlands High School in Greenburgh said more needed to be done to keep them and their peers informed.

"A lot of kids are having sex and don't use protection," said Jerrell Whittel, an 11th-grader at Woodlands High School. Whittel said some teens used marijuana or alcohol and as a result were at times less careful about protecting themselves.

Whittel and other teens from Woodlands and Ossining high schools gathered yesterday at "Steppin' on HIV — Stompin' Out AIDS," a conference sponsored by the Westchester chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a black women's service group.

All the sorority's chapters held HIV and AIDS awareness events yesterday, their International Day of Service, for adolescents and senior citizens.

Yesterday's event featured panelists from health groups and a speech by motivational speaker and former New York Giant Lee Rouson.

Rouson told stories from his life and advised the teens that their futures were up to them. "We have the ability to chose," he said. "Whatever we choose, that determines our life."

Three step teams from different high schools also stepped, clapped, stomped and performed other music-making moves on stage, drawing standing ovations. The teens each received a "goody bag" with magazines and CDs and pamphlets about preventing HIV and AIDS.

Traditionally, Delta Sigma Theta has a different theme each year on their day of service, but the past four years have focused on HIV and AIDS prevention because of the growing need for this type of education, said Kristina Newland, co-chair of the International Day of Service Committee.

"It's such a growing pandemic in the African diaspora that we wanted to address it on a large level," she said.

The sorority, Newland added, has tried to create events where "teen-agers could come out and express their feelings, whether through art or dance, with their peers." She said she hoped teens would share the knowledge with their peers.

Christian Mitchell, a 10th-grader at Ossining, said the program was a fun place to learn about an important subject.

"It's a good way to get the message out rather than read it," she said. "It's clearer if someone explains it to you."

Alyssa Robinson, a 10th-grader at Woodlands, agreed. "Statistics scare you," she said, "but when you hear from someone you can relate to, it seems a lot more realistic."

[CrimsonTide4]

Kim #8000000000

What city and state? I skimmed but could not tell. Kudos to the sorors for reaching our youth.


Oops I see Westchester but forget what state that is.

[ykimber]

I was just skimming the news and came across the article and decided to post it to show the hard work of the org.

The story came from a New York news paper.

There are tons of articles about other chapters and there events for the awarness day. Just do a News search in Google.

[mulattogyrl]

I'm glad to see this posting. I'm co-chair of my Physical and Mental Health Committee and have worked on International Day of Service for the past three years. This has always been an important topic for me since my mother had AIDS and died in 1996. Keep up the good work sorors!!!!

[CrimsonTide4]

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP) -- Many historically black colleges are stepping up safe-sex education in response to health researchers' finding of a spike in HIV infection rates among black students more than 20 years into the AIDS epidemic.



http://www.cnn.com/2004/EDUCATION/03....ap/index.html

[Missam05]

While doing a search for a homework assignment I saw two stories that sparked my attention. As a Peer Educator and one who is passionate about this cause I thought to share it...it was on msn.com's webpage.. Post your comments and share your concerns..



http://women.msn.com/779366.armx?GT1=4200

http://content.health.msn.com/conten...m?pagenumber=1

[DELTABRAT]

I hate to bring this thread back up to the top again but I am currently in Bangkok, Thailand (which is absolutely beautiful) for the International AIDS Conference.

This was recently released and I wanted to share it with my Sorors and GC brothahs and sistahs.

U.S. News
New York City: One in 14 Middle-Aged Black Men Have HIV or AIDS
Associated Press
07.13.04

New York City black men ages 40 to 54 are almost three times as likely as other city residents to have HIV/AIDS, according to a report from the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released Monday at the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok. Across the city, one of every 14 middle-age black men are HIV-infected; in Manhattan, the rate is one in seven. According to the report, many middle-age black men are not being tested in the early stages of infection and do not know they need treatment.

Be careful y'all. Dang! I don't kow how much this is related to the DL, but I couldn't find a more appropriate thread to post it under. I think half of these men are infected through injecting drugs, while roughly 30% are MSM.

These mena re also being co-diagnosed with HIV and AIDS, which means they have been infected for a while and didn't know.

WE HAVE TO BE TESTED EVERYONE!!!

[CrimsonTide4]

Deltabrat and Missam, thank you both for sharing these articles with us.

[CrimsonTide4]

Today is WORLD AIDS DAY


http://www.lighttounite.com/wad_flash.aspx

[STL_Lady]

Yesterday I was watching an program on VH1 about the history of AIDS involving pop culture and it was truly sad. I was about to be in tears when they showed footage of the AIDS blanket. It is just truly sad what AIDS is doing to the world. And what makes it even worse is that you don't have get it, there are ways of protecting yourself from it. But lots of people just don't care or let their fear of whatever keep them from protecting themselves. THe show also said that the media doesn't even make a big deal about HIV and AIDs anymore so that is why some people feel that AIDS/HIV isn't such a big problem anymore. But if you look at the statistics AIDS/HIV isn't going away. Nothing a man can say or do to me will put so much fear in my heart that I will not protect my life. I just hope that people will just wake up and stop relying on luck or/and ignorance as their security blanket.

[Missam05]

Today is considered National Black HIV/AIDS Awarenss Day..spread the news and search this website (www.blackaids.org) to find an event in your area.

BTW: Did anyone catch BET's re-runs of Walking on Sunshine and Tangy's Song? I thought they were both good and plan to use them in our upcoming presentations for my organization.

[mulattogyrl]

Link:
http://www.blackaids.org/ShowArticle...2&pagenumber=1

'DIVAS Simply Singing' to Support AIDS Fight


First Published: 8/25/2005
Sheryl lee Ralph presents...
DIVAS SIMPLY SINGING! XV
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8,2005
7:30pm
WILSHIRE EBELL THEATRE
LOS ANGELES, CA

Tickets available at DivasSimplySinging.com and ticketmaster.
Select OUT of the CLOSET Thrift Stores.


Sheryl Lee Ralph is at it again! Her 15th installment of DIVAS Simply Singing! will benefit the Black AIDS Institute and the AIDS Heathcare Foundation and promises to cast its spell of magic once again.

DIVAS Simply Singing is a unique, magical evening of song and entertainment now in it 15th consecutive year! This oft-praised and highly anticipated event features a host of the most talented women in show business uniting in a benefit concert to continue the courageous battle against HIV/AIDS.

Created and produced by actress/producer Sheryl Lee Ralph, the program serves as a “tribute to the countless number of friends and family taken by this disease” and also calls to mind those who are currently fighting its effects. It was 1990, soon after the death of one of her close friends, when Miss Ralph began conceptualizing DIVAS:

“When I realized just how many friends I had lost to this disease, I knew that I couldn’t sit by and watch them die; I had to do something,” she later recalled.

And do it she did. She looked for help from such diverse talents as Chaka Khan, Oleta Adams, Melissa Manchester, Dianne Reeves, Roberta Flack, Eartha Kitt, Stephanie Mills, Stacey “Fergie” Ferguson, Raven, Miss Nancy Wilson and many others. Miss Ralph and her troupe of tireless volunteers come together each year to put together what the LA Times dubbed “a well paced professional production bursting with talent.” The show is known for its unparalleled mixture of comedy, song, beauty, fashion and heartfelt human compassion that links generations, races, sub-cultures and unifies us all in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“It’s one of the best events in town, where the music raises the roof, the applause pours out like love and tears flow like redemption.” --Daryl H. Miller, LA Times

Over the years, DIVAS Simply Singing is proud to have given assistance to organizations such as Project Angel Food, Caring for Babies with AIDS, Minority AIDS Project, The Safe Place for Pediatric AIDS, National Minority AIDS Council and The Black AIDS Institute. Organizations such as these are contributing invaluable services to our community and need continuing support.

Ironically, as HIV/AIDS infection cases rise dramatically in women, children and African Americans, funding for AIDS charities and organizations is significantly diminishing. So it is imperative that we continue our efforts to raise public awareness and give the support that is so badly needed.

FACTS: Of the 14,000 new infections that occur daily worldwide, half are among 15–to–24 years old. More than 50% of adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide are women.

This year, DIVAS SIMPLY SINGING is thrilled to offer assistance to the Black AIDS Institute and the AIDS HealthCare Foundation their national and global efforts against this dreaded disease. Only with your generous contribution will success be assured. And more importantly, you will be helping to improve the quality of life for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. For the many silent voices, dying to be heard we sing out thank you so very much!!

The DIVA Foundation is a 501 ©3 not for profit public benefit corporation Tax ID #95-4419536.

[Missam05]

It's that time of year again! What are you doing to promote education and end the spread of HIV/AIDS? Today is World AIDS Day (December 1st)..Here are some websites that can provide with important information. Show your support for World AIDS Day by wearing a Red Ribbon. (Wise Up. Wear It. Where's Yours?)

Also BET is showing HIV/AIDS related episodes of The Parkers and Girlfriends as well as a documentary the times are listed on their websites www.bet.com

Pass it on to your friends, family, as well as your enemies. It's a serious epidemic killing "folks like US"!

www.worldaidsday.org

Here is a link to a quiz given by BET post your scores and any information you wish to share. Some clinics "may" offer free testing in observance or just free testing period..that's the best way to do your part. KNOW YOUR STATUS!

QUIZ