HIV/AIDS on Memory Wall Dec. 1
A memory wall, a powerful video display of photos and words, will honor those who have died from HIV/AIDS and those who bravely live with the disease everyday at this year's AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) World of Chocolate benefit.
AFC is inviting people across the nation to submit photos and words honoring their loved ones. The submissions will be featured in a prominent multimedia presentation—a living tapestry of memories—at World of Chocolate, AFC's annual fundraiser, Dec. 1. The memories will also be incorporated into a permanent fixture on AFC's website early next year.
The deadline for submissions to be featured at World of Chocolate is Nov. 22, but photos and words may be submitted for the permanent installation at www.aidschicago.org after that date. Submit all photos and words to www.aidschicago.org/memorywall.
World of Chocolate is at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave.
NAACP explores HIV's prevalence in communities of color
The NAACP spotlighted HIV and AIDS in the Black community during its Forgotten Epidemic Advocacy & Education Summit Nov. 2-3, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The event was aimed at engaging community activists and legislators on the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and health issues that disproportionately affect the Black community.
"NAACP leadership has identified HIV/AIDS as a national priority," said Shavon Arline, Director of NAACP's Health Programs. "We realize this is the No. 1 killer among African-American women ages 25-44 and will continue to raise awareness and bring a sense of urgency to this epidemic to save our families."
According to the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) , Black Americans are 13% of the U.S. population, but make up over 50% of all new cases of HIV and AIDS. That represents an infection rate 10 times higher than the white population. Among women, the numbers are even more shocking: 70% of all new infections among American women are Black women, and a Black woman's risk of dying of AIDS is 23 times greater than that of a white woman from the U.S.
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago calls for advocate nominees
The AIDS Legal Council of Chicago is accepting nominations for the 2012 Advocates of the Year Awards. The 2012 Selection Committee welcomes nominations for individuals or organizations demonstrating outstanding achievement in HIV care and advocacy, with special attention to those who are distinguishing themselves in advocacy, health care, support services, education/prevention and philanthropic/volunteer support.
The AIDS Legal Council of Chicago has been hosting the Advocates of the Year Awards for 18 years and is delighted to welcome back the Windy City Times as a co-sponsor for the second year. The accomplishments of those serving people with HIV are often overlooked, despite the monumental impact they have on the lives of Chicago's underserved residents. The Advocates of the Year Awards serve as an opportunity for local advocates to be recognized by their peers and by their community for the invaluable contributions they have made to improve the lives of people living with HIV.
All nominations are due by Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. Nominating packets are available by contacting Ricardo Cifuentes ( ricardo@aidslegal.com / ( 312 ) 427-8990 ) , ALCC's Director of Development, or online through ALCC's website ( www.alcc.com ) .
Vida/SIDA World AIDS Day programs
Vida/SIDA hosts events Thursday, Dec. 1 for World AIDS Day. First is Altars & Candlelight Vigil, 5-5:30 p.m., 2625 W. Division St.. Then there is a community reception at Clemente High School, 6-8 p.m., free, 1147 North Western Ave.
For more information please call Zenaida Lopez at Zenaidal@prcc-chgo.org or 773-278-6737
Art Institute AIDS events
The Art Institute will observe World AIDS Day Dec. 1 by hosting a gallery talk and a screening of Untitled, a film by Jim Hodges, Encke King and Carlos Marques da Cruz. Both events are free with museum admission.
Screening of Untitled, Day With ( out ) Art 2011, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Price Auditorium. The Art Institute of Chicago, in partnership with Visual AIDS, is observing "Day With ( out ) Art" by screening Untitled. The Art Institute joins more than 55 major museums, arts organizations, community groups, and colleges throughout the U.S. in presenting simultaneous, free public screenings of Untitled Dec. 1.
See www.creativetime.org/daywithoutart and www.visualaids.org .
An Art of Remembrance—World AIDS Day, 12-1 p.m., Griffin Court. Remember the lives of artists in the Art Institute collection who died of HIV/AIDS-related causes and discuss the relevance of the illness and human rights issues central to their work. Kate Moili of Museum Education will lead a gallery talk.
A 'goal' for AIDS
Soccer fans can bid on a FIFA 2010 World Cup soccer ball to benefit AIDS.
"We will list one of the four 2010 World Cup Soccer Balls that the Fédération Internationale de Football Association ( FIFA ) gave us, on Ebay," said Victor Mooney, executive director of Queens, New York based-South African Arts International ( SAAI ) .
Funds raised will be allocated for the ocean rowboat Mooney will use for a five-thousand mile transatlantic row for AIDS awareness and prevention from Las Palmas Canary Islands to New York. The highest bidder will receive the soccer ball and four lunch certificates to any Planet Hollywood restaurant ( worldwide ) . The campaign will conclude on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day at 2 pm inside Planet Hollywood-New York City. Opening bid is set at US $10,000.
