Honoring National Black HIV and AIDS Awareness Day
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is honored each year on February 7th to elevate the fact that Black communities are disproportionately impacted by HIV. It is imperative to address the needs and challenges Black members of our community face, not just on one day, but every day.
Black communities have made great strides in the fight against AIDS and today, more people are living fully and aging with HIV than ever before. However, racism, discrimination, and stigma continue to stand in the way of effective treatment and robust prevention efforts.
This year, we reached out to some incredible Black HIV and aging activists to hear in their own words why it is important to elevate and acknowledge the Black community in the fight against AIDS, and what policy changes or solutions they are most hoping to see in 2023.
Harold Phillips is the Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy.
Ronald S. Johnson currently serves as chair of the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus and works with AIDS United and the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care on HIV and aging policy and advocacy.
Waheedah Shabazz-El is the Director of Community Engagement for The Reunion Project.
