John,
Our movement is much bigger than just putting an end to police brutality and violence against Black people. It's about tackling racist and inequitable systems that oppress Black people in every single institution -- including in health care.
That's why today, we want to acknowledge National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Today is for highlighting the work that needs to be done to end HIV in Black communities as well as the strides we've made together to increase HIV education, community involvement, prevention and treatment options and create support systems.
Racism is at the core of why Black people have been worst hit by HIV compared to any other racial group in the U.S.
Anti-Black systems in America perpetuate everyday systemic challenges such as unaffordable housing and unemployment. And they drive a lack of access to health insurance and high-quality health care. Not only is there an unwillingness to invest resources into providing culturally affirmative care, but there is also a willful ignorance of the very real and justified medical mistrust that deters Black people from accessing life-saving care.
We have to help break the stigma and educate each other so that we can make informed decisions about our health and happiness --
because we keep us safe.
This National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Black Lives Matter is honored to be raising money for the Black AIDS Institute (BAI), which has dedicated 22 years to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities with a
uniquely and unapologetically Black lens.
BAI's motto -- 'Our People. Our Problem. Our Solution.' -- fuels an inherent
kujichagulia or self determination.
We are proud to stand with BAI in fighting for complete freedom for Black people by eradicating systemic oppression and ensuring that we can all live the long, healthy lives we deserve.
BAI is doing essential work for our communities when it comes to HIV/AIDS -- will you support them by making a donation of $5 or anything you can in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
Discrimination against Black people is deeply ingrained in our country's systems, processes, and mindsets. This is why it's critical that we increase awareness, spark conversations, and get involved in the effort to end HIV in Black communities.
The CDC reports that of ALL the people diagnosed with HIV in 2018 alone, almost half (42%) were African Americans. Yet, government initiatives still have not centered the HIV response around Black people.
BAI was founded amidst the HIV crisis in 1999 by a Black, gay man living with HIV; a Black, gay doctor; and a Black, lesbian doctor -- people who transformed their traumatic lived experiences toward resisting oppressive systems that continue to marginalize Black lives. Today, BAI still embodies Black Empowerment as a central value, is led by a Black woman, and is managed by Black experts who represent the communities they serve.
We all have a role to play in ending HIV/AIDS in the Black community. We need to continue to demand inclusion in medical and scientific advances, access to updated health information, prevention and treatment options, as well as every other form of social equity that is taken for granted by White Americans.
This National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, will you join us in supporting the Black AIDS Institute and their efforts to end HIV in Black communities in our lifetime by donating a small amount?
It is time to end stigmas and health disparities. And we must remain dedicated in the fight to stop white supremacy -- because it shouldn't be present anywhere,
especially when it comes to Black health --
because our health matters.
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
P.S. Learn more about BAI's work and join their efforts here >>
https://blackaids.org/
