AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) CEO David Munar and Fox-Chicago anchor Robin Robinson were among honorees as the South Side Help Center (SSHC) celebrated its 25th anniversary June 25.
Founded in 1987 by retired nurse Betty Smith, the nonprofit organization provides services and anti-stigma programming to South Side residents impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Spirits were high as an estimated 200 guests gathered in the swank ZHOU B Café and Art Lounge. The upbeat anniversary programming included complimentary food and beverages, live entertainment and an awards ceremony overseen by SSHC Executive Director Vanessa Smith.
"All that [the South Side Help Center] has accomplished is so powerful and so important," Munar said. "I hope everyone realizes what it takes to keep a small, struggling agency afloat for 25 years—and to thrive."
Munar was one of five Chicago luminaries honored at the four-hour celebration. During his decades-long career, the AFC CEO has developed a reputation for his sharp mind, friendly demeanor, and dogged persistence. He has overseen AFC's outreach to traditionally underserved minority communities and helped launch the Coalition for a National AIDS Strategy, which led to President Obama's 2010 strategic plan.
"This epidemic is complex and big," Munar said, "but it comes down to two simple things and two big challenges: inequality and stigma. [We need to address] unequal access to education, prevention services, healthcare, and housing. … And we need to talk about stigma, [whether] you're taking drugs, homeless, or unemployed."
Robinson, who was honored for her reports at Fox-Chicago, also addressed stigma in her acceptance speech. The longtime anchorwoman famously composed a feature about her brother Greg, a drug user who died of AIDS-related complications; she has also received on-air HIV tests for World AIDS Day.
"We need to stop whispering about AIDS because this is solvable," Robinson said. "There are communities where [the disease] is all but eradicated. Our children don't know the truth from fiction… but people are afraid [to talk about AIDS] because it's too political."
Robinson noted that, to this day, the story about her brother remains the most powerful and talked-about broadcast she's ever worked on.
Smith (who Munar dubbed "a legend"), 34th Ward Ald. Carrie Austin and City of Chicago Chief Procurement Officer Eric Griggs rounded out the list of honorees. Each was honored for his or her contributions to South Side communities.
Walgreens sponsored the event, which doubled as a fundraiser. Proceeds benefitted the SSHC, which recently experienced budget cuts and lay-offs.
Maggie Brown, the daughter of legendary Chicago performer Oscar Brown, Jr., performed. Local artist Damon Hendricks painted several pieces throughout the night; one was featured in a silent auction at the event's close.
Although most of the evening focused on past accomplishments, honorees and SSHC staffers urged guests to continue to fight moving forward. Munar invited attendees to sign up for the AIDS Run & Walk, which will be held Sept. 30.
To learn more about the South Side Help Center's programming, visit www.southsidehelp.org .
For more information on its 25-year history, check out the Windy City Times "AIDS @ 30" feature at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/AIDS-South-Side-Help-Center-Agency-meets-AIDS-head-on-with-support-and-services/35594.html .
