Skip to main content

CLASSIC INTERVIEW: World AIDS Day 2018!




On Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, I attended the World AIDS Day Chicago event sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation at Lacuna Lofts on the South Side of Chicago.

The AHF is currently the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the U.S.  Per their website. AHF funds its mission to rid the world of AIDS through a network of pharmacies, thrift stores, healthcare contracts, and other strategic partnerships. Since the start of their organization in 1987, they have served and provided care for millions of people worldwide affected by the virus.

The event was hosted by former "The Voice" contestant Sandy Redd, and DJ'd by music mogul-producer-pioneer Jermaine Dupri. (Yes, JD!) I covered the red carpet and spoke to them and other artists about the event and the organization.

We discussed the impact that HIV/AIDS has had on Americans and the importance of philanthropy, advocacy and more.

Check it out below!



Sandy Redd
Can you share what brought you to host World AIDS Day Chicago? 

 There's definitely a need to talk about something like this. [We need] to be able to talk about the fight that needs to continue to happen. That's a part of the thing that we have a problem with, is making this topic the forefront of the conversation. Before intimacy. It's a stigma to talk about (STD status). But it's necessary before actually giving a very important part of yourself. This platform wants to alleviate and educate and make people aware. That's beautiful, that's why I'm here.

 Frankie J:


 Frankie, a birdie told us that today is your birthday. Happy Birthday! Can you tell us what brought you to perform tonight? 

 I think it's a really important cause and something that we missed as a community. We don't discuss HIV/AIDS in a lot of our families, and I just think it's really important to bring awareness to the cause.

Are you aware that according to the CDC, Latin Americans are receiving increased diagnoses among heterosexual Americans? 

 I did NOT know that. Thanks for letting me know. We must learn this type of information so we can get it back to our families. There's a lot of us who just don't know.



First I would like to thank you for your ability to assemble talent with your former So So Def artists and to revamp careers through your production, and lastly your patience with Bow Wow. 

 [Laughs] Thank you so much!

Can you tell us what brought you to Chicago to DJ this event? 

 The foundation asked me to do it. And I feel like it's a great cause.  Like 2 or 3 days before I left Atlanta, I was watching the news and heard that the [HIV/AIDS] crisis in Atlanta has skyrocketed. I heard the numbers are going through the roof and it's right in my backyard.

I felt like at that point like I needed to be talking about this in Atlanta other than Chicago. I just feel like it's a situation, where it's something we didn't pay attention to, and it's right upon us. We need as many people to bring this to people's attention as possible.

I am so glad I had the presence of mind to repost this. Although a bit tardy, the information is evergreen and should always be shared!

Even more recently, the CDC has confirmed that in the U.S. there are thousands of HIV/AIDS cases that are unreported. Meaning that the virus is being spread by people who have no idea that they are infected. Making them and their partners unable to take PreP medication to alleviate the spread of HIV/AIDS and maintain a high quality of life.

So as always, if you enjoyed what you read, like, share, and comment! We would love to hear from you!

Stand in your light!
Capt SistaGurl
Laura Miller

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

April Preyar: Unveiling Trials & Triumph Board Game -SG Holiday Gift Guide Feature

Legal Empowerment and Cool Vibes Collide in the Perfect Holiday Gift Hey SistaGurls, Laura Miller here, aka Capt SistaGurl, and I am beyond excited to introduce you to a game-changer in legal education and empowerment. As we dive into the SG Holiday Gift Guide, let's shine a spotlight on April Preyar, the legal luminary behind th revolutionary Trials & Triumph Board Game. Trials & Triumph: A Legal Luminary's Vision: Crafted by the brilliant mind of April Preyar, a 21-year-old criminal defense attorney, Trials & Triumph is more than a game; it's a tool for navigating police encounters and fostering critical thinking, especially in our teens. As Capt SistaGurl, I'm all about empowerment, and this board game is a game-changer in that department. Empowering Critical Thinking in Teens: One of the standout features of Trials & Triumph is its ability to awaken critical thinking in our teens. In a world full of challenges and peer pressures, this game equips the...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Mary Jane Syndrome

The Mary Jane Syndrome By Kesia King Being labeled a "strong black woman" used to be a badge of honor.  A "strong black woman" takes on every battle life throws her way, while smiling with all thirty-two teeth, wearing 6 inch heels, a brief case on her shoulder, a baby bottle in her right hand a spatula in her left while on the phone listening to someone else's problems, when deep down she knows that she's actually the one that needs to be laying on somebody's couch, airing it all out! It's funny because a couple weeks ago when I threw this particular outfit on, I was dealing with some internal struggles myself.  Now, add in my homemade, bone straight wig, red shoes and matching red clutch, when I looked in the mirror I immediately felt like Mary Jane Paul, from Being Mary Jane!  I can relate to Mary Jane, because on the outside, she always looks like she has it together. If you've watched the show on BET, you know when she walks into a roo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Boost Your Product-Based Business's Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales with SG Media's Holiday Gift Guide

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the colossal shopping events that mark the beginning of the holiday season, are no doubt the busiest and most competitive times for product-based businesses. These days offer an incredible opportunity to boost sales and increase revenue, but the daunting challenge of standing out from the crowd and capturing the attention of potential customers can be overwhelming. That's where SG Media comes in to lend a helping hand.  With over 6 years of marketing and publicity services, SG Media's holiday gift guide offers an affordable solution to ensure your products, books, and services are discovered by eager holiday shoppers. The Black Friday and Cyber Monday Challenge: For product-based businesses, the holiday season can be a make-or-break period. The competitive landscape is fierce, with major retailers, e-commerce giants, and countless other businesses vying for the same customers' attention. This daunting challenge can often lead to frustration an...
Post a Comment
Read more