Motivational Monday: "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day."

BY: TASHA DILLARD

 In the observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness,Pg.59 Book Club would like to repost this article to encourage you to know your status, get tested, and practice prevention.  With new cases still existing, the importance of education and prevention is paramount. 

While prevention methods have been the primary focus, we would like you to also remember that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate and it affects all of us, not only those that are diagnosed.  It affects many of our communities, churches, recreational centers, coworkers, friends, and maybe even the person sitting next to you at a ball game.  Educate yourself about the disease and break away from the stigmas that are attached to it. 

Photo Credit: marvelynbrown.com

One remarkable individual who shares her journey with us, has been speaking publicly about HIV/AIDS since her diagnosis at age 19.  CEO, activist, and author, Marvelyn Brown, discusses in her book, The Naked Truth: Young Beautiful and (HIV) Positive, how she refused to give up on life and overcame the challenges and stigmas associated with HIV.  As a public speaker/activist, she has spoken at many colleges and universities as well as, interviewed by Oprah, Tavis Smiley, BET, MTV, VH1, and a host of other news networks and outlets. For more information about her journey, please visit her website: http://www.marvelynbrown.com/.

Since the onset of HIV/AIDS many years ago, much awareness has been brought to the disease including the creation of this awareness day.   Allow this day to inspire you to continue to get tested, know your status, and practice prevention long after today ends.