Statement
By Phill Wilson
This week, people from all over the world are raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a part of the 19th annual World AIDS Day commemoration. World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st. Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization, World AIDS Day provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to really think about how HIV/AIDS has affected our lives and make commitments to do what we can to put an end to this deadly disease. I always use this time to remember all my friends and loved ones lost to the disease and think about how far we've come in the fight against HIV/AIDS and prepare ourselves to do whatever is necessary to end this deadly disease in our communities. When was the last time you got tested for HIV? Have you ever been tested? If not, shame on you. Knowing your HIV status is a fundamental responsibility for every Black person. Honestly, It is a responsibility for every person, but this web site is "Black Voices" so all you folks who keep sending the messages about why white people aren't being tested, back off. We have enough to worry about amongst ourselves. There are enough sites that focus on white people to our detriment. There is nothing wrong with us focusing on us. If you are living with HIV/AIDS, are you in treatment? AIDS is not the automatic death sentence it once was. I'm living proof. As some of you know, I have been living with HIV for 26 years. I'm alive today because I got informed, I realized the folks who were calling the AIDS treatments poison were idiots-that's not to say the current drugs are perfect, far from it. They are very strong and there can be serious side effects. But it is time to get over it and get on with it. For the vast majority of Black folks living with HIV the choice is clear get a doctor, get on proper treatment and care or die. It really is that simple. Let's stop the foolishness. Are you involved in efforts to fight HIV/AIDS? In your personal life, thru your church, fraternity, social organization or civil rights group, it doesn't matter, any group that calls itself fighting on behalf of Black people needs to have HIV on its agenda. If you are in a group or organization that is not addressing HIV, take leadership, raise the issue, develop a campaign, and come up with a strategic action plan. If the group that you belong to is not responsive, quite and find an organization that is serious about the care and wellbeing of Black folks. There you have it. This world AIDS day it is all about us. When we have the courage to take action, we see results. When we wait for others to come to our rescue, well... can anyone one say New Orleans or Katrina?