African-American Groups Call on Black America to Renew Efforts to Fight HIV and Homophobia

by Democracy Now (reposted)

Thu, Aug 17, 2006 8:15AM

The NAACP, National Urban League and other civil rights groups have launched a major new effort to fight AIDS and homophobia within the African-American community. We speak with the executive director of the Black AIDS Institute that is spearheading the initiative.

The NAACP, National Urban League and other civil rights groups have launched a major new effort to fight AIDS and homophobia within the African-American community.

AIDS is now the top national cause of death for African-American women between the ages 25 to 34 and it is a leading cause of death for black men.

On Monday, NAACP Chairman Julian Bond said AIDS must be seen as a "black disease." Bond joined actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, filmmaker Bill Duke, and Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Barbara Lee to back a "National Call to Action and Declaration of Commitment to End the AIDS Epidemic in Black America." Spearheading the initiative is the Black AIDS Institute.

* Phill Wilson, founder and executive director of the Black AIDS Institute.

LISTEN ONLINE:
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/08/17/1335220

Add Your Comments

Support Independent Media

We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!