Back of the Line: The State of AIDS Among Black Gay Men in America

I am reading an excellent publication from the Black AIDS Institute, "Back of the Line:  The State of AIDs Among Black Gay Men in America 2012:"
"No population in the developed world has been as heavily affected by HIV as Black men in the US who have sex with other men (MSM).  Indeed, one could study the entire world and have difficulty finding another group in which the HIV burden is greater than among Black MSM."

The report goes on to say that the number of new HIV infections among Black MSM rose by 20% from 2006 to 2009, with an especially disturbing 48% increase among young Black MSM.
Statistics like this are unacceptable anywhere, and particularly in the United States.  Blacks and Black gay men deserve better.

This is one of the reason that we are mobilizing our community with a series of events to turn the tide on HIV in Blacks.  The first events will be Friday, November 30, 2012 at the Capri Theatre in Minneapolis.

The first event, The Brother Circle Dinner, will be held from 4-6, and will include discussions with our special guests, Jamar Rogers, finalist on NBC's "The Voice" last season, and LaMont Wheat, singer, song-writer, and activist.

The second event, The Sarah Simmons Showcase, is a talent show that will feature performers from the Twin Cities.  In addition, Jamar Rogers and LaMont Wheat will perform.

Both events are free.  Dinner will be served.  HIV testing and education will also be free.

I hope you will join us!
Peace and love,
Bill

"Getting to Zero" Do We Have the Will to Make It Happen?

It was a great Monday!  We are lining up interviews with LaMont Wheat and Jamar Rogers on KMOJ radio for November 30th.  They will tell about their involvement with the Brother Circle Dinner, 4-6 pm and Sarah Simmons Showcase 6-8 pm at the Capri Theatre in Minneapolis, MN on November 30th.

The Brother Circle Dinner and Sarah Simmons Showcase are part of World AIDS Weekend Minneapolis 2012.  Additional events will take place on December 1st and 2nd.  ThiI will tell you more about these other events in future blogs this week.

This year our theme is "Getting to Zero."   We now have the know how and the tools to prevent HIV infections, which have hit our Black community the hardest.  The question is:  Do we have the will to make it happen?  It will take all of us working as hard as we can every day to stop this epidemic.

LaMont and Jamar are both incredible performers and inspiring speakers.  They will also talk about how HIV impacts their lives and communities.  You will not want to miss this incredible evening.
We are also ready to distribute flyers and postcards for the event.  Here they are:



Wishing you peace and love,

Bill