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Prominent Black Leader, Female Rapper, and Comedian join fight against HIV/AIDS

September 08, 2006

Truthfully, it’s about time the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the black community came to the forefront of national news and media stories. U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s two-week visit to South Africa and Kenya highlighted the need for more funding on a global scale.

His foreign policy initiatives would increase the proportion of HIV/AIDS funding for nutrition for HIV-positive people, as well as additional support for education and prevention programs plus the development of microbicides. Senator Obama and his wife, Michelle publicly took an HIV test to combat the stigma surrounding the HIV virus. The senator was highly praised by Homa Bay, Kenya’s mayor who said “leaders in the country will use Obama’s HIV test to encourage people to get tested and learn their HIV status.” As Sen. Barack Obama addressed the crowd he stated, “If a U.S. Senator can get tested and his wife can get tested, then everybody in this crowd can get tested. Everybody in this city can get tested.”

Female hip hop star and actress, Eve, has joined the fight against HIV/AIDS. She is presently one of the spokespersons for the MAC Cosmetics’ Viva Glam campaign to raise money for the MAC AIDS Fund. Viva Glam VI lipstick and lip gloss line will cost $14 each. All proceeds from the campaign support the MAC AIDS fund which supports groups worldwide that provide direct care for HIV/AIDS patients and groups aimed at prevention. Recently, Eve stated her reasons for getting involved on the Today Show. The only response she could give to the shocking statistics especially in the African-American community and among African-American women was to get involved. Her statements ended with a common theme for most HIV activists, “You have to get tested” and specifically for African-American women, “Protect yourself”.

The comedian, Monique, from The Parkers uses her comedic performances to discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS on our community. I had the privilege of viewing her comedic talent live and direct. The laughter never ceased throughout the entire event. However, she did take the time to keep it real with the crowd of University of South Florida students in ages ranging from 18-30. Her statements included topics of sex and the reality of sex among teenagers. She promoted consistent condom use for those having sex. She stated, “In 2006, no one should be getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhea or Syphilis”. Her truthfulness and boldness is exactly what is needed to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Posted at 02:17 PM by Shantrie in the News & Media category/ies.