Cities Across the Country Host Events to Mark World AIDS Day
Americans' concern over HIV/AIDS has "waned" since its introduction in the United States 20 years ago, the Detroit Free Press reports. Fourteen years ago, nearly 70% of Americans considered AIDS "the most pressing health issue facing the country," while only 7% of Americans say the same today, according to a Gallup poll released this week. This year, events commemorating World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 will aim to "remind Americans and people worldwide that AIDS and HIV ... haven't gone away" (Capeloto, Detroit Free Press, 11/29). The White House tomorrow will dim its lights to recognize the day and to pay tribute to people living with HIV/AIDS and those who have died of the disease (Generous, Charlotte Observer, 11/25). In a statement to the nation issued yesterday, Secretary of State Colin Powell said, "Let World AIDS Day be a time of commitment for each and every one of us, a commitment to confront the reality of AIDS within our societies, a commitment to save lives by breaking the silence ... a commitment to take action at all levels -- community, national and international. Each of us must be a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. And I expect and hope each and every one of you will do your part" (Department of State release, 11/29). To view a video of Colin Powell's address, click here.
Countrywide Events
The Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report has compiled the following list of events taking place in the United States in recognition of World AIDS Day:
- Albany, N.Y.: Funds will be raised for organizations working with African AIDS orphans tonight at "Dance for the Children," beginning at 8 p.m. in the Campus Center ballroom at the University of New York-Albany. For more information call (518) 442-4248 (Albany Times-Union, 11/30).
- Baton Rouge, La.: The Baton Rouge Black Alcoholism Council-Metro Health Education Office has organized a "compassion arrest" on Dec. 1 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. People who are "found guilty of showing compassion" toward people with HIV/AIDS will be arrested and tried before a mock judge. The criminals will either have to bring their own bail -- a $500 donation for the organization -- or will have to call family and friends to provide the donation (Wold, Baton Rouge Advocate, 11/25).
- Boston, Mass.: The Boston Museum of Fine Arts will screen the documentary "Undetectable," which follows six Boston residents through their struggles with HIV/AIDS. Screenings will take place on Dec. 1 at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., and a panel discussion with filmmaker Jay Corcoran and Boston radio show host David Brudnoy, who appears in the film, will be held at 4:15 p.m. For more information on the event, call (617) 267-9300 or go to www.mfa.org (Boston Herald, 11/27).
- Detroit, Mich.: Harper Hospital today will host lectures on "Youth and AIDS in the 21st Century." The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature guest speakers Dr. Lawrence Crane and Jerry Burns. For more information, call (313) 993-0927. On Dec. 1, Conant Gardens Seventh-Day Adventist Church will host a National World AIDS Day Service at 11 a.m. For more information, call (313) 369-5913. In addition, Mayflower Congregational Church will host World AIDS Day events on Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call (313) 493-6153 (Detroit Free Press, 11/29).
- Hickory, N.C.: The AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance will host a local World AIDS Day observance at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1 at First Presbyterian Church in Hickory. For more information, call (828) 322-1447, ext. 205 or email prevention@twave.net (Generous, Charlotte Observer, 11/25).
- Honolulu, Hawaii: A walk-around in commemoration of World AIDS Day is scheduled for this afternoon at Honolulu Hale. An ecumenical memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 at St. Pius Church (Associated Press, 11/25).
- Las Vegas, Nev.: The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay will hold a "rave-type event" at 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. The event will benefit Golden Rainbow, a not-for-profit organization that works with people with HIV/AIDS. Singer Amber, DJ/producer Barry Harris and DJ R.O.B. will appear at the event. For more information, call (702) 384-2899 (Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/25).
- Macon, Ga.: The Central City AIDS Network will sponsor "Puttin' on the Ritz," a benefit ball, fashion show and silent auction, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1. Proceeds from the event will benefit housing for local people with AIDS. For more information, call (478) 750-8080 (Beverley, Macon Telegraph, 11/26).
- Nashville, Tenn.: A list of World AIDS Day events occurring in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis and other cities around the state can be found at http://hometown.aol.com/vandyactccab/WADEVENTSlisting.htm (Tennessee Department of Health release, 11/28).
- Oahu, Hawaii: A walk-around will be held at the state Capitol from 9 a.m. to noon today. Also, the University of Hawaii-Manoa today will host a panel of people living with HIV from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., and a portion of the AIDS memorial quilt will be on display from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ( Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 11/25).
- Philadelphia, Pa.: On Dec. 1, Philadelphia will observe "A Day Without Art" in memory of those who have died from AIDS-related causes. From 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the University of the Arts in Philadelphia will host musical performances, AIDS memorial quilt displays and a candlelight procession. For more information, contact the AIDS Fund of Philadelphia at (215) 731-9255 (AIDS Fund release, 11/27).
- Pittsburgh, Pa.: Afrika Yetu will host "Live," a free performance art presentation featuring music, poetry and dance, tonight at 5 p.m. at the Andy Warhol Museum. Singer and pianist Andy Bey will also give performances at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. tonight. For more information, call (412) 237-8300 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11/27).
- Plainfield, N.J.: The 2001 Plainfield World AIDS Day Committee will sponsor workshops, a health and wellness fair and an AIDS memorial quilt display on Dec. 1. The workshops will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon and the health fair will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include free, confidential HIV testing. A gospel concert will be held on Dec. 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Plainfield High School. For more information, call (908) 756-3765 (Newark Star-Ledger, 11/22).
- Portland, Maine: The Maine College of Art Institute of Contemporary Art will host on Dec. 1 the Mail Art Project, which includes a "potpourri of activities" designed to raise AIDS awareness through artistic expression. The institute will also host a panel discussion about AIDS from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tonight. The Portland Museum of Art will display a portrait of Frances Peabody, AIDS activist and co-founder of the Peabody House, who died in June. For more information, contact The AIDS Project at (207) 774-6877 (Portland Press Herald, 11/26).
- Providence, R.I.: The AIDS Project Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Department of Health will sponsor a rally at the State House today from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact (800) 726-3010. AIDS Project Rhode Island and Students for AIDS Awareness at Brown University will host a conference with lectures, workshops, discussions and films all day Dec. 1 at Brown University. A panel discussion of "AIDS and Rights" will take place at 4 p.m. at Brown. For more information, contact (401) 867-6757 (Providence Journal, 11/26).
- Raleigh, N.C.: Artist Eric Waugh will unveil "Hero: The World's Largest Painting by One Artist" for the first and only time before selling pieces of the painting to benefit children's AIDS charities. The 41,000-square-foot painting will be revealed on Dec. 1 and after its display art.com will divide it into square-foot pieces to sell as framed commemorative editions. Proceeds from the sales will go toward Camp Heartland and the Starlight Children's Foundation. For more information, contact (919) 467-5567 (World's Largest Painting Project release, 11/28).
- Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake Community College will host performances, games, HIV testing, a candlelight vigil, a non-denominational service and an AIDS quilt display on Dec. 1. Activities begin at 1 p.m. (Associated Press, 11/27).
- Santa Ana, Calif.: The Orange County chapter of the Red Cross will sponsor a World AIDS Day youth summit on Dec. 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Los Angeles Times, 11/22).