LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
Black AIDS Institute inducts a select group of individuals and
organizations that have made commendable heroic contributions to
the fight against HIV/AIDS in Black America. The 16th
Annual Heroes in the Struggle Awards Presentation &
Reception will be held on September 16, 2017 at the Darryl F. Zanuck
Theater at 20th Century Fox Studios in
Los Angeles at 6:00 PM.
The 2017 inductees include Taraji P. Henson, Laverne Cox, Vanessa
Williams, Alfre Woodard,
Gina Belafonte, and
Gina Brown. The 2017
Corporate Hero is Novant Health. Black AIDS Institute Board
Member Jussie Smollett serves as Chair and Host. The 2017
theme is Black Men Honoring Black Women and celebrated R&B
singer/songwriter Ledisi performs a special tribute. The
awards presentation is produced by Russelli & Hall.
"At the age of fifteen, I began working with the Black AIDS
Institute and I am proud to be a member of the Board of Directors,"
said Jussie Smollett. "Although it is not spoken about like
it used to, the AIDS epidemic is not over, especially in Black
communities. I am humbled to pay tribute to these remarkable
women in our community."
Nearly 100 individuals have been inducted into the Heroes in
the Struggle Hall of Fame over the last 16 years. It is a
photographic tribute to HIV/AIDS allies; elected officials and
policy makers; artists from television, film, stage and music;
civil rights leaders; health-care providers; advocates and
activists; and people living with HIV/AIDS. Since its debut in
2002, the exhibit has traveled the world—raising awareness;
challenging Black Americans, key thought leaders and institutions
to get involved in their communities; and generating critical
conversation about HIV stigma, testing, prevention, treatment and
care.
"Black women are the single most important engine in the
survival of Black people, including with HIV/AIDS," said
Phill Wilson, President and CEO of
the Black AIDS Institute. "59% of women living with HIV in
the United States are Black. Black
women account for 60% of the new HIV infections among women, and
are 16 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than white women.
This event not only allows us to acknowledge the invaluable role
Black women have played in the AIDS fight, but it helps raise
awareness about the devastating impact AIDS continues to have on
Black women and the opportunities we have to turn that around if
Black men and women work together."
Tickets and sponsorship packages are priced at various levels,
from VIP packages to a limited number of community seats for as
little as $75.00. "Because the event
is completely underwritten by major donors, every penny raised goes
directly into efforts to end the epidemic, help people get into
care and stay in care, protect themselves from HIV infections, and
advocate for sound HIV/AIDS policies," said Wilson.
For more information about purchasing tickets, becoming a
sponsor, joining the host committee, or placing an advertisement in
the program book, go to www.heroesinthestruggle.org or
contact Wendell Miller.
About the Black AIDS Institute
Founded in May 1999, the Black AIDS Institute is the only
national HIV/AIDS think tank focused exclusively on the Black
communities. Our motto is Our People, Our Problem, Our
Solution. The Institute's mission is to stop the AIDS
pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black
institutions, leaders and individuals in efforts to confront HIV.
The Institute interprets public and private sector HIV policies,
conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates
information and provides advocacy and mobilization from a uniquely
and unapologetically Black point of view.
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SOURCE Black AIDS Institute