Berkeley

Black AIDS Institute Celebrates 15th Anniversary in Hollywood

Published

11 years ago

June 2, 2014

Hollywood rolled out the red carpet to fight HIV/AIDS as the Black AIDS Institute celebrated its 15^th anniversary. The gala, held in Hollywood at the Director’s Guild of America, included a reception, silent auction and awards presentation of “Heroes in the Struggle”.

“Heroes in the Struggle” is a photographic tribute to Black Americans and their allies who have made heroic contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Since its debut, the exhibit has traveled around the world, raising awareness, challenging individuals and institutions to get involved in their communities, and generating critical conversation about HIV testing, treatment and prevention.

The collection started with 20 photos and has grown to 80. Past honorees have been President Bill Clinton, Activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and in 2010, Congressperson Barbara Lee.

This year’s honorees were longtime supporter, actress, comedienne and talk show host Mo’Nique; Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and Jamar Rodgers, finalist on “The Voice” and an HIV advocate.

Mo’Nique and husband Sidney Hicks.

The motto, “Our People, Our Problem, Our Solution,” was the driving force that led Phil Wilson to found The Black AIDS Institute in May 1999. The organization is the only national HIV/AIDS think tank in the United States focused exclusively on Black people.

Speaking at the event, Wilson said that at the beginning, “We had no money, no office space, no staff. As my mother says, we had no pot to piss in, or a window to throw it out of.”

Today the Institute has chapters in 15 cities.

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.

Actress Vanessa Williams and POST reporter Jesse Brooks.

Hosts at the Hollywood event were Vanessa Williams, best known for her role in the TV series “Soul Food” and the blockbuster movie “New Jack City,” and Alimi Ballard, television and screen actor who has a recurring role on “CSI”.

Williams says the face of AIDS has changed. “We have to take care of ourselves, we must take care of our own,” she said, focusing on the disproportionate transmissions rates of HIV in the community.

Receiving her award, Mo’Nique said she felt the heroes were people who lived with the disease every day, with their head held high. She acknowledged Jamar Rodgers’ mother, who attended the gala with her son.

Jamar Rodgers and his mother Danielle. After 6 years clean from meth, Rodgers auditioned for “The Voice” and found his voice by nationally disclosing his HIV status.

Rodgers became famous when he appeared on the TV show “The Voice” in 2012. “Before that, I was just walking dogs for a living,” he said. “So much has happened, because I told the truth.”

Rodgers encourages his brothers and sisters to tell the truth about their status, and get free. Since finding his voice, he has toured South Africa, made numerous television appearances and has an upcoming music project.

Dr. Fauci being interviewed by Karamo Brown (OWN Network). Photos by Jesse Brooks.

Dr. Fauci, a leading researcher in the country, reflected on the advances since the time when AIDS equaled death. “It is the stigma of homosexuality that gets in the way of people getting tested,” Fauci said. “It’s time to embrace people. It’s a disease – it’s time to take away the judgment.”

The Institute also honored Walgreens Corporation and the work it does for the community. Alvin “Alabama” Lovett and his wife Joyce, who own a local Kia dealership, were heroes who donated a car to be raffled off. Lovett says he is committed to driving out AIDS, one car at a time.

Other attending celebrities were Terrell Tilford and his wife Victoria Platt (CW’s star-crossed). Platt was vocal about losing her own brother to AIDS.

Other celebrities were Anna Marie Horsford, TC Carson and serving as presenters were Kevin Daniels (USA Sirens), Nelsan Ellis (HBO’s True Blood ), Shanola Hampton (Showtime’s Shameless), Jussie Smollett (Fox’s Empire), Tracie Thoms (Annie, Showtime’s VEEP) and J. August Richards.

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Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., who has served as Progressive Missionary’s pastor since September 1977, said the church also delights in the fact that it has hosted only five pastors in its 90-year history, including Pastors James E. Moore, H. A. Green, F. Douglas Farrell, and Edward Stovall, who served for 37 years.

Published

1 week ago

May 16, 2025

Oakland Post

Progressive Missionary Baptist Poster. Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley with his wife, Kay Frances Stuckey.

By Oakland Post Staff

The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley is celebrating its 90th church anniversary on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at 3301 King Street in Berkeley.

The celebration will feature Pastor Darnell Manuel of the Union Baptist Church in Vallejo as guest speaker, along with many other special presentations.

Those who wish to share in Progressive’s history can purchase a 100-page full-colored souvenir book for $25.

The church boasts a number of notable people who either regularly attended or became members of the church since its inception, including former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor, and one of the organizers of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Helen J. H. Stephens.

Pastor Stuckey often remarks how longevity flourishes at the church — it boasts 13 centenarians (people who have reached 100 years or more). Currently, it has one centenarian who is still surviving, Mrs. Dorothy Chambers, and 14 members who have reached 90 years or more.

Recently, on Feb.17, the pastor and his wife Kay Frances, celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

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Activism

Faces Around the Bay: Author Karen Lewis Took the ‘Detour to Straight Street’

“My life has been a roller-coaster with an unlimited ride wristband! I was raised in Berkeley during the time of Ron Dellums, the Black Panthers, and People’s Park. I was a Hippie kid, my Auntie cut off all our hair so we could wear the natural styles like her and Angela Davis.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

Oakland Post

Karen Lewis. Courtesy photo.

By Barbara Fluhrer

I met Karen Lewis on a park bench in Berkeley. She wrote her story on the spot.

I got married young, then ended up getting divorced, raising two boys into men. After my divorce, I had a stroke that left me blind and paralyzed. I was homeless, lost in a fog with blurred vision.

Jesus healed me! I now have two beautiful grandkids. At 61, this age and this stage, I am finally free indeed. Our Lord Jesus Christ saved my soul. I now know how to be still. I lay at his feet. I surrender and just rest. My life and every step on my path have already been ordered. So, I have learned in this life…it’s nice to be nice. No stressing, just blessings. Pray for the best and deal with the rest.

Nobody is perfect, so forgive quickly and love easily!”

Lewis’ book “Detour to Straight Street” is available on Amazon.

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Activism

Golden State Warriors Program Is Inspiring Next Generation of Female Engineers

Breaking down barriers and biases that deter young girls from pursuing STEAM subjects is essential for creating a level playing field and ensuring equal opportunities for all. By challenging stereotypes and promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity in STEAM fields, experts believe young girls can be empowered to pursue their interests and aspirations without limitations confidently. Encouraging mentorship, providing access to resources, and celebrating girls’ achievements in STEAM are all crucial steps in creating a supportive environment that fosters success.

Published

2 months ago

March 23, 2025

Oakland Post

Front Row: UC Berkeley Steel Bridge Team Back Row: Girls, Inc. Participants. Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

The Golden State Warriors and e-commerce giant Rakuten are joining forces to inspire the next generation of female engineers through Building STEAM Futures, part of The City Calls campaign.

Organizers say the initiative is founded on the idea that science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) are crucial fields for innovation and progress, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in these areas is more important than ever. Studies consistently show that girls are underrepresented in STEAM fields, resulting in a gender disparity that limits potential and hinders diversity.

On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day, the Warriors and Rakuten hosted 20 middle school girls from Girls Inc. of Alameda County at Chase Center’s Above the Rim for a hands-on bridge-building experience. The young girls from Girls, Inc. of Alameda County had an opportunity to design, build and test their own bridge prototypes and learn the fundamentals of bridge construction from the Engineering Alliance and the UC Berkeley Steel Bridge Team.

This STEAM experience for the girls followed the first session in January, where they took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, learning about its design and construction from industry experts. The City Calls campaign, tipped off with the unveiling the Warriors’ new bridge-themed City Edition jerseys and court design earlier this year.