Community leaders, activists and the socially aware all gathered for an evening of progressive discussions and initiatives on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in relation to the African-American community.
Spearheaded by the Black HIV/AIDS Policy Network—a grassroots coalition of faith and community-based activists and organizations—the the goal of the event at Kennedy-King College was to help turn back the silence of the African-American community concerning HIV/AIDS.
Community activist and special guest Marc Loveless said that funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and research in predominantly Black neighborhoods and communities has been cut since the mid-’90s—resulting in the rise in HIV/AIDS cases in the Black community. Loveless also stated that the new city administration has to take a lead in funding South Side and West Side communities regarding HIV/AIDS.
“We deserve better. We have to tax every system we know. Everyone has an opportunity to look at this new mayor and city council and let them know that this [HIV/AIDS funding] is important,” said Loveless.