World AIDS Day Events
It is 2010, and the AIDS pandemic still continues in Cleveland, the United States and around the world. And even though great strides have been made during the last 30 years, the weakened economy in the United States has led to cutbacks in HIV/AIDS treatment and awareness programs. Many Ohioans living with HIV/AIDS still struggle to find resources for medications and support services, and many service providers face difficulties as they strive to keep up with the basic needs of AIDS clients and their families.
December 1 is designated as World AIDS Day and this year's theme is “Universal Access and Human Rights.” With this in mind, the Liberation Center for Spiritual Enrichment, the Ohio AIDS Coalition, and Affirm Equality are partnering with other community service providers and individuals to present two events to raise awareness of current needs, energize advocacy efforts, and remember those infected with and affected by this disease.
The HIV/AIDS Town Hall Meeting: "Activism Beyond Email", on Saturday, November 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is intended to provide a venue for area HIV/AIDS service providers and advocates to discuss recent initiatives in AIDS medication funding and to renew advocacy efforts. The day will include a keynote speaker and a panel of community members living with HIV/AIDS, and will conclude with an advocacy session targeting new strategies for activism in the electronic age. Lunch will be provided. Everyone is invited to participate in this event; please RSVP by phone at (216) 521-5556 or by email to info@liberationucc.org.
A second program, to be offered on Human Rights Day (Friday, December 10th) at 7:30pm, is A Community Gathering of Remembrance and Hope. The evening will feature world music/jazz by the Oîkos Ensemble in a musical remembrance of those affected by HIV/AIDS and in the hope of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Grammy winner Paul Winter, of the Paul Winter Consort, has said, "I salute the Oîkos Ensemble for their inspired music and mission. They are serving the world with their song." Area religious leaders, activists, and people living with HIV/AIDS will offer words of inspiration for the struggle against the AIDS pandemic and will lead those in attendance in a candle-lighting ritual of remembrance. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit area HIV/AIDS organizations. Attendees are also asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Pantry of the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland.
Both events will be held at Liberation United Church of Christ, 13714 Madison Avenue. Free parking is available at Madison Park, 6 blocks east of the church. Shuttle service will be provided for 30 minutes before and after each event.