Guest Columnist
African Americans are now at a higher risk of contracting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) than ever before. Efforts to provide education to our community have been hampered by many barriers, including cultural factors, language, illiteracy and religion. As the shift in demographics of HIV/AIDS occurs, so must the resources for prevention and treatment of the disease change. Accordingly, a special emphasis must be made to include sources of information and services for this high-risk group.
Who do you blame for the explosion of HIV/AIDS in our community? Many callously accuse those we label “not like us.” We point to unfaithful husbands, wives, prostitutes, injection drug users and gays. But blame is useless and doesn’t move us one step closer to solving the crisis.
When we see a young black man wrongfully arrested, beaten, shot or killed by the police, black leaders lead marches and demand retribution. But with HIV/AIDS, our leaders stage no protests to demand prevention, medical care, treatment, education or research funds. With HIV/AIDS, we remain silent.
Since HIV/AIDS has been around, only a small number of black Americans have sounded the battle cry. The larger black community has yet to mobilize. Yet, some 25 years later after the first black American was diagnosed with AIDS, we are in a state of emergency.
Organizations that have been the backbone of the struggle for civil rights for black people have been slow to step up, in the fight against HIV/AIDS. What will it take to get you to do your part? Will it take your father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or someone else that you love to become infected with the dreaded virus?
Did you know that while African Americans make up only 12 percent of the population in the U.S., we now make up over half of the HIV/AIDS cases?
With AIDS disproportionately annihilating the black community, it’s not hard to believe that this pandemic is the biggest threat to black folks since slavery. This fact is even more troubling when you consider it is far cheaper to prevent HIV/AIDS than to treat someone with the disease.
My question to you is: Are you still willing to stick your head in the sand and do nothing?
Cyrano Jones lives with HIV/AIDS. Contact him at Another-helping-hand@hotmail.com.