30 years in the making

It has been thirty years in the making, a drama that is long lasting. No,this isn't a classic film from Martin Scorsese or an unknown epic novel. It's the story of our society, cultures & community. It's the history of AIDS & HIV in it's thirty year anniversary this year of 2011. Since being first reported in June 1981 by the U.S. Center for Disease Control, this disease still grips a world with it's silent power. Yet we have come very far for how we look at AIDS/HIV from just six letters. As a world we have been able to bring awareness starting from our small town communities to Uganda.



We have been able to educate one another with eliminating stigmas along the way. People from community leaders to celebrities have done the most to bring awareness to everyone they come in contact to. Yet, has it really got better since then?  Well, there is no question that we have got much better at many things when it comes to spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS. There is no question that people know the risks of unprotected sex & knowing their partners. I keep feeling like many people have learned to live with HIV/AIDS being apart of our community, shaping our society but I feel like there is a gap somewhere.



Today in the U.S. there are nearly 700,00 people living with HIV, almost 500,000 people living with AIDS.
Sadly African Americans make up about 50% of HIV infections. It doesn't help more than half of the schools in our country have no sexual education what so ever. I do notice that BET has always kept the conversation on their networks but what about everyone else? If many people were into educating the seed to follow, we will be in a much better place. We can still get there but it will take the conversation to keep going & fresh in everyone's mind. Not just when a  major anniversary comes up.

Here's to love for those of many that continue to fight the good fight!

Sheryl Lee Ralph   Best known for her work as the original Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, Mrs. Ralph is a star in her own right. Mrs. Ralph started the benefit event for AIDS/HIV named Divas Simply Singing! Benefits go to The Black Aids Institute & Project Angel Food. Now that's a diva that knows how to give back! http://www.sherylleeralph.com/index.php

Gay Men's Health Crisis IN the beginning of the epidemic there were some brave souls early on. In 1981, six men united against the epidemic then known as the "gay cancer". The six raised money for friends & the community & started the Gay Men's Health Crisis. Still going strong today 30 years later. Just recently Lisa Lampenelli raised $50,000 for the organization in response to a hate rally in Kansas.
http://www.gmhc.org/

Cascade Aids Project Started in 1983, Cascade Aids is the oldest & largest HIV services, housing, education & advocacy in Oregon & Southwest Washington. Always staying ahead of the game when it comes to awareness in the community. http://www.cascadeaids.org/index.php

There are many more that give their efforts across the globe. See how you can help in your area & anywhere! 30 years from now, I hope we are celebrating the day we cured HIV/Aids. It all starts with hope.

Keep A Child Alive http://keepachildalive.org/?gclid=CK7M8uyNk6kCFaYZQgodiWrmpQ

Planned Parenthood http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppcw/std-testing-planned-parenthood-31310.htm

Black Aids Institute  http://www.blackaids.org/