NBJC

Washington, DC – Every year on February 7th our nation pauses to recognize the need for action to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) began 15 years ago as a means of engaging Black people about the epidemic and spread of HIV within our families and neighborhoods. At the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), we have called to action the Black family around the notion that the first step to ending the epidemic in our community is to embrace HIV/AIDS as a Black health issue. We must work collectively as a family–however you define family–to be proactive in supporting the overall well-being of our loved ones. HIV/AIDS must be regarded in Black America with a focus and support structure similar to other chronic conditions we disproportionately face as Black people like diabetes and hypertension. We know all too well that our community continues to be the demographic most impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly Black gay men and transgender women.

At the foundation of NBJC's commitment to address the epidemic is to build pipelines for new leadership in the fight to end HIV/AIDS in Black communities. With this intention, NBJC's 100 Black LGBTQ/SGL Emerging Leaders to Watch inaugural cohort member, Tabias Wilson, shares his thoughts on why NBHAAD is important for all Black people to acknowledge:

Why is NBHAAD Important?

NBJC recognizes that progress will only come when the whole Black family and community–LGBTQ/SGL, heterosexuals, negative and positive–take a collective responsibility to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Today, you can take action to end the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black community by doing the following:

• Educate Yourself. The focus of NBHAAD is to get Black people educated about the basics of HIV and AIDS in their local communities. Learn more HERE.

• Test Often. You should test for HIV every six (6) months. Need help finding somewhere to get tested? Visit www.hivtest.org to find testing services in your local community.

• Seek Treatment. If you are HIV positive, find a provider you can trust and develop a treatment plan in order to take control of your health. Click HERE to find a list of providers in your community.

• Get Involved. Take an active role in promoting awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities by engaging your family members and friends around the issue and supporting those in your lives infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. You can even mobilize in your local neighborhood by planning an event.

To learn more about National Black HIV/AWARENSS DAY click HERE. Also please read a special AIDS.gov blog post by NBJC's LGBT Health Specialist, Venton C. Jones Jr.