The AIDS Foundation of Chicago last week hosted a press conference by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who announced an upcoming trip to South Africa.
Jackson's presence at AFC "symbolized the strong partnership between domestic and international ( AIDS ) work," said AFC Policy Director David Munar. "We were delighted to play host."
Jackson used the event to launch the Rainbow/PUSH Adopt an Orphanage Program, which will be done in conjunction with Salem Baptist Church. The program will help African-American churches lend financial and material support to AIDS orphans and orphanages in South Africa. During his trip, Jackson will begin identifying orphanages to partner with.
"AIDS/HIV is now 20 years old, regretfully most of its victims don't live to be that old," Jackson said in a release. "In the United States the age expectancy rate is 80 years old, in comparison to Africa where it is merely 30 years old. We must address this killer and create bridges which connect victims to vital assistance."
At the press conference at AFC, 411 S. Wells St., Jackson fielded questions from about 45-50 journalists, AIDS service providers and people affected by the disease. "It was a good dialogue," Munar said.
Rainbow/PUSH is sponsoring free HIV/AIDS screenings every Saturday in June at its headquarters, 930 E. 50th Street. For more information, call ( 773 ) 373-3366.
