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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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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

1 month 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.

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Lawsuit Accuses UC Schools of Giving Preference to Black and Hispanic Students

The lawsuit also alleges UC is violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars racial discrimination by federally funded institutions. In response, UC stated that race is not a factor in admissions, as per state law, and that student demographic data is collected only for statistical purposes.

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2025

Oakland Post

iStock.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

A lawsuit filed in federal court accuses the University of California (UC) of racial discrimination in undergraduate admissions, alleging that Black and Latino students are favored over Asian American and white applicants. The lawsuit, filed by the group Students Against Racial Discrimination, claims UC’s admissions policies violate Proposition 209, a state law passed in 1996 that prohibits the consideration of race in public education.

In response, UC stated that race is not a factor in admissions, as per state law, and that student demographic data is collected only for statistical purposes.

Stett Holbrook, a spokesperson for the UC system, said the entity had not been served with the lawsuit.

“If served, we will vigorously defend our admission practices,” said Holbrook.

“We believe this to be a meritless suit that seeks to distract us from our mission to provide California students with a world-class education,” he said.

The complaint criticizes UC’s use of a “holistic” admissions process, arguing it replaces objective academic criteria with subjective considerations that disadvantage certain racial groups. It cites admission rate disparities at UC Berkeley, noting a decrease in Black student admissions from 13% in 2010 to 10% in 2023, compared to an overall drop from 21% to 12%.

The lawsuit follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling banning affirmative action in college admissions, which has prompted challenges to race-conscious policies nationwide. The plaintiffs seek a court order preventing UC from collecting racial data in applications and request a federal monitor to oversee admissions decisions.

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Black History Month in the Bay Features, Parades, Festivals and Speakers

Black History Month did not begin as Black History Month. In 1915 after the 13th Amendment was passed Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). This organization sponsored the initiation of a national Negro History Week, which took place in February, the same week as Frederick Douglass’ birthday. During the Civil Rights Movement this transformed into the Black History Month we still celebrate today.

Published

3 months ago

February 1, 2025

Oakland Post

The choir performs at the 2023 Black Joy Parade. Courtesy photo By Daisha Williams.

By Daisha Williams

Black History Month is a month that is centered in teaching, learning, and honoring the journey of Black people in America. Black people in America have faced discrimination, abuse, and every kind of mistreatment. Black History Month is about recognizing not only that history, but how far the community has come despite it, and celebrating Black joy.

Black History Month did not begin as Black History Month. In 1915 after the 13th Amendment was passed Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). This organization sponsored the initiation of a national Negro History Week, which took place in February, the same week as Frederick Douglas’ birthday. During the Civil Rights Movement, this transformed into the Black History Month we still celebrate today.

There are many ways that people celebrate Black History Month and as always, the Bay Area has a little bit of everything.

Most popularly, the Eighth Annual Black Joy Parade will be taking place in Downtown Oakland on Feb. 23. The parade will begin at 14th and Franklin Streets at 12:30 p.m. There will be a festival after the parade ends lasting until 7 p.m. This is the largest Black Joy Parade and sure to be a fun time. Schools, community organizations, and performers can sign up to be in the parade by Feb. 6 on the Black Joy Parade website.

In line with the spirit of the month “From Black History to Black Futures” will take place on Feb. 23 from 2-5 p.m. in Vallejo. This event will show the breadth and beauty of Black life through showcasing speakers, artistic performances, and community booths. This free celebration is hosted by a community organization, Vallejo Building Black Power and Leadership, at 4380 Sonoma Blvd suite 224. The organizers ask that attendees register on Eventbrite because of limited space.

Similar events will be happening in San Francisco and San Leandro.

In San Francisco, Thrive City is hosting a free community event that includes performances of all kinds, from music to spoken word, with the headliner being August Lee Stevens. This event will take place at the Dance Mission Theater on Feb. 1 from 12-3 p.m. Though it is free, priority will be given to people who registered on Eventbrite.

In San Leandro, there will be the Black History Month RnB Day Market at 222 Davis St. This family-friendly event will be put on by the Downtown San Leandro Community Benefit District and include live music, dance performances and a fashion show. This free event will be on Feb. 15 from 12-6 p.m.

There are other ways to celebrate this month other than community festivals and block parties. For example, the College of Marin’s Umoja group is putting together a Black History Month Poetry Reading. This event will be free and take place on Feb. 19 from 12:40 to 1:30 p.m.

At the North Berkeley Senior Center there will be a Black History Month celebration hosted by the City of Berkeley, Health, Housing and Community Services, Mental Health Division. Keynote speaker Gigi Crowder, CEO of the Contra Costa County branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will be giving a talk on Feb 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Black History Month celebration with line dancing, music, and food will be in the Richmond Memorial Auditorium on Feb. 22 1-3 p.m. with doors opening at 12:30. This event will be hosted by the City of Richmond and attendees must register in advance. Tickets are $15 and for more details contact 510-620-6793.

Musical expression has always been a vital part of Black culture, and Black people have contributed largely to the development of many music genres. Stockton Soul is honoring Black History Month with an ensemble created to highlight the legacy of Black music with influences like Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes. The concert will be held on Feb. 15 with tickets for only $8 for adults.