Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Stars Speak Out

Written by Cheryl Contee, Jack & Jill Politics

We as a people are truly greater than a thing like AIDS. Unfortunately, we have been harder as a community than other groups. Why? Nobody seems sure. What’s the sitch? The CDC sez:

African Americans are the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV.
In 2009, African Americans comprised 14% of the US population but accounted for 44% of all new HIV infections.
Young African American gay and bisexual men are especially at risk of HIV infection.

There remains a stigma to the disease that prevents people from simply checking their status and getting the treatment that can save lives. These days, you can live a pretty long healthy life if you have the drugs you need AND you can reduce transmission to others by 96% if you’re on medication. Look at Magic Johnson — a brother’s still smiling and staying strong. This is too important – we’ve got to talk about it, know about it and preach it to those we care about.

Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Check out the video above and share it with people you care about on this important day. Together, we can be Greater Than AIDS. For more information go to greaterthan.org

More than 60 Black celebrities are joining the Greater Than AIDS campaign to shine a spotlight on the high rates of HIV infection in the Black community on Feb. 7, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The vid features all these folks:

1. Laila Ali, professional athlete

2. Essence Atkins, actor (ARE WE THERE YET/TBS)

3. Alimi Ballard, actor (NCIS/CBS, NUMB3RS/CBS)

4. Yvette Nicole Brown, actor, (COMMUNITY/NBC)

5. Bill Duke, actor/director

6. Nadine Ellis, actor (LET’S STAY TOGETHER/BET)

7. Jason George, actor (GREY’S ANATOMY/ABC, OFF THE MAP/ABC)

8. Dennis Haysbert, actor (24/FOX, THE UNIT/CBS)

9. Samuel L Jackson, actor, producer (PULP FICTION)

10. Orlando Jones, actor/comedian (MAD TV/Fox, THE EVIDENCE/ABC)

11. MC Lyte, musical artist

12. Dr. Lisa Masterson, MD, host, The Doctors (CBS TV Distribution)

13. Shaun Robinson, Access Hollywood

14. J Rome, musical artist

15. Jussie Smollett, actor (THE SKINNY)

16. Tamara Taylor, actor (BONES/Fox)

17. Brian White, actor (MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE/TNT, GOOD DEEDS)

18. Michael Jai White, actor (TYLER PERRY’S FOR BETTER OR WORSE/TBS)

19. Jesse Williams, actor (GREY’S ANATOMY/ABC)

20. Vanessa Williams, actor, director (SOUL FOOD/Showtime, MELROSE PLACE/Fox)

Personally speaking, I thank them for taking to time to speak out on this. If Black Americans account for nearly half of all new HIV infections each year, yet make up just 14 percent of the population, then something is definitely wrong. It’s time to unite and bring this disproportionate epidemic to an end. Now it’s your turn: let’s give HIV & AIDS the one-two punch. Together, we’ve come so far. We can do this, y’all!

This post was originally published by Jack & Jill Politics.

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Photo: screenshot from above Youtube video

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ernest R.

6:46PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

At least it is now clear that not only “white honky faggots” are aids victims.

send a green star

Gar M.

6:43PM PST on Feb 13, 2012

This is laughable! 12% of the population and almost half of the aids cases. Guess the black community accepts gays as normal. No women around? OK, do your "brother". Get AIDS, so what? No problem, stupid whitey will pay for your treatment.

Ask anyone who has been in prison. 60%, maybe as high as 80% of the black inmates have no qualms about man-on-man sex. Wonder why AIDS is rampant in black communities? Duh! No brainer! Most blacks are closet gays. End of story.

And why to you think all these black guys are going after the white girls? It's not cause they like them, it's to spread their AIDS into the white community. Most blacks are convinced whitey has a cure for AIDS but won't give it to a brother, so they figure if they infect enough white women the cure will have to readily available. Think about that you stupid white girls the next time you sleep with a negro. Want to die from AIDS?

I bet this post gets deleted, but it still won't change the facts. Like I said, ask ANYONE who has been in prison about the blacks plotting the destruction of the white race. The Caucasians better wake up before it's too late.

Meredith S.

4:11PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Wow! A group of black celebrities trying to raise black people's awareness of a disease that disproportionally affects black people, during Black History Month. This is the most racist thing I have every seen. In fact, it's the second coming of the KKK. If blacks talk about how blacks get HIV/AIDS more than other races for 1 day, it means they want all the other races, especially white people, to die of AIDS.

(That was sarcasm, in case some people couldn't tell.)

Penny C.

4:04PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Good for them.

Diane M.

3:47PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

And to hell with anyone else who has it, right? Here's a novel idea...keep your pants on & quit having unprotected sex!

Hillary K.

11:05AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Well, I for one am glad that something is trying to get done. Get the word out for all but if it really is affecting one ethnic group, something has to be said & done. ASAP.

Margaret C.

10:40AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

It's so sad that this has to become a racial thing. Did everyone forget that this is Black History Month? THAT'S why it's called National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day! It's just one day during the month to make Black people aware that they are #1 on the list of HIV/AIDS illness. So, a number of Black entertainers wanted to be a part of informing them and advising them of their status and to get checked.

Why are White people so threatened by that?! You have commercials about this and everything else under the sun! That race card that you cry about all the time getting played is play more by you than anyone. Are any of you going to tell Blacks that they are the most infected in this country?! NO! Because of lot of your racist asses hope Black people all die from it. And Steve R., it's not always about you and YOUR race (which ever one that is!), you show your ignorant racism each time you get on one of Care2's posts. You are so hateful, why? Who taught you to be that way? Too bad your closed mind and heart has held you back from learning anything about this world and it's people.

And Chris K., too bad you aren't of color, because then you would know (since you are too dense to see it) everyday in America is "White Day!," even today! Enjoy!

Kevin F.

6:36AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Divisive, fail again. If it only affected blacks I could understand but that is not the case.

Steve R.

6:19AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

I sympathize with everyone that is affected by HIV/AIDS - so let me know when we have an unbiased, unsegregated HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

I'm not into reverse racism!

Magdalen B.

5:42AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

I hope it's helpful but it seems exclusive.I can't help thinking that Chris K's comment might be true.