3 Reasons the Black AIDS Institute Launched The #30DaysOfHIV Digital Marketing Campaign
Louis "Kengi" Carr, a participant in the "In The Life"
Social media presents an opportunity to fight the HIV crisis in Black America by generating national conversations that dispel misinformation, fight racism and mobilize Black communities. That is why for one month leading up to today, National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), the Black AIDS Institute launched #30DaysOfHIV.
Here are 3 reasons #30DaysOfHIV has been fighting HIV in Black communities:
1. To create and share Black community resources
The Institute's HIV direct-services program, Revolution In Color, identified that although culturally appropriate health and HIV events and resources are available in Black communities, no central location existed to find them. So, the Black AIDS Institute launched the Online Community Calendar as a central repository of health and HIV events serving Black communities. Between May 27 and June 27, 2017, the calendar listed testing events from community organizations in Arkansas, Georgia and Washington, DC; trainings in Charlotte and Chicago; Pride rallies all over the country; and our Revolution In Color monthly Sunday brunches in Los Angeles, among other activities. This national, online resource became so successful that the Institute will continue to offer it beyond NHTD. To be included in the Online Community Calendar, please continue to submit your events as described, below.
2. To reduce the stigma impacting Black, gay/bi/non-gender conforming men
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that half of all gay and bisexual Black men in America are at risk of acquiring HIV during their lifetime. What's more, negative stereotypes, combined with the narrow range of images and even total erasure from the media, often perpetuate the stigma Black MSM face. Our Instagram series "In The Life" has portrayed their resilience, joyfulness and accomplishments through their own words and images. By telling one story, one day at a time, we used our social-media platform to amplify their truths. The engaging response we received on Instagram has encouraged us to continue this storytelling beyond NHTD. Stay tuned for more details on how to participate.
3. To mobilize Black communities to act
Many of us want to fight HIV but are not sure how to make an impact. For one month we served up ideas, actions and information to encourage people to do their part. From self-care tips like taking a quick walk during a lunch break, to political action like calling your representative to oppose the Affordable Care Act repeal, our Daily Actions had something to engage everyone. Our final Daily Action ends the #30DaysOfHIV campaign today: Know your status by taking an HIV test!
Being Black in America does not guarantee you'll contract HIV. But HIV will impact Black communities disproportionately until each of us accepts our part in changing the status quo through our actions and conversations. Have feedback or ideas about #30DaysOfHIV? Email
Pavni Aeshini Guharoy is the Digital Consultant for the Black AIDS Institute.