In This Issue

This week we're profiling the comedienne Mo'Nique, one of the 15th anniversary Heroes in the Struggle honorees. Everybody knows that Mo'Nique is one of the funniest women on the planet. And who can forget her amazing, Academy Award-winning performance in the movie "Precious?" I met Mo'Nique 12 years ago when she was starring in "The Parkers". Most people don't know that she has been a tireless advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS since the dark early days of the epidemic, using her unique talent to create opportunities to increase awareness.

Having lost a childhood friend to AIDS, Mo'Nique has used her acting and comedic gifts to transform her personal tragedy into an opportunity to save lives. From creating HIV-awareness PSAs, to incorporating HIV in her standup routine, to raising money to fight the disease, to producing Patrik Ian-Polk's latest film "Blackbird," Monique has been there—and not necessarily for personal aggrandizement: she's not one of those people who writes a press release every time she does something.

The Black AIDS Institute is proud to induct Mo'Nique into the Heroes in the Struggle Hall of Fame on May 20th a the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. I hope you will join us in celebrating this remarkable woman and true hero. To buy tickets or find out more information about Mo'Nique or the other 2014 Heroes In the Struggle, go to www.BlackAIDS.org/HITStickets.

In this issue we also provide an update on the third and final training of this cohort of Fellows participating in the African American HIV/AIDS University's Science and Treatment College. Once upon a time earlier in the AIDS epidemic, women living with HIV were discouraged from getting pregnant. No more. Due to many amazing biomedical advances, having HIV no longer means not being able to bear children. Our friends at AIDS.gov lay out the medical care that women need to obtain to having a healthy, HIV-positive pregnancy. Recently the Obama administration announced that participants in the federal high-risk health insurance pool who haven't yet signed up for other coverage can qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period that begins May 1. Kaiser Health News reports.

Finally, there are only 14 more days to enter the Drive Out AIDS, Win a New Car raffle for the 2014 Kia Forte or a Carnival Cruise for two. We are also sweetening the pot. If you buy a raffle ticket and refer someone else who also buys a raffle ticket, you get a second raffle ticket for free. Go here or call 213-353-3610, ext. 107to enter a chance to win a brand new car or a carnival cruise for two.

Yours in the struggle,

Phill