National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, held annually on Feb. 7, began in 2001 as an effort
to encourage African American and African immigrant communities to get educated, get tested, get treated and get involved with HIV/AIDS. The day is a national mobilization initiative to come together in unity to respond to the crisis of HIV/AIDS that is impacting the African American and African immigrant communities across America. The theme for NBHAAD 2015 is, “I Am My Brother/Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS!”
In recognition of NBHAAD on Tuesday, Feb. 3, Wednesday, Feb. 4, and Thursday, Feb. 5, vocal powerhouse, critically-acclaimed performer and former NBC’s The Voice finalist, Jamar Rogers, will be the keynote speaker and entertainer at the following events:
? City of Chattanooga, Office of Multicultural Affairs, 101 E. 11th Street, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 9:00 – 10:00 am.
? The Howard High, Student Auditorium, 2500 South Main Street, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2:45 – 3:45 pm.
? Chattanooga State Community College, Humanities Auditorium, 4501 Amnicola Highway, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 10:00 – 11:45 am. This event is free and open to the general public.
? Chattanooga State Community College, 4501 Amnicola Highway “Empowering the College Student” Luncheon, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm.
? St. Marks Church - Northshore, 701 Mississippi Avenue, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the general public.
? Brainerd High School, Student Auditorium, 1020 North Moore Road, Thursday, Feb. 5, 1:30 – 2:45 pm.
Growing up, Jamar showed tremendous talent for singing as early as six years of age, but soon fell prey to the emotional problems that come with growing up in a fatherless household. He became addicted to drugs to fill the missing piece. As his life began to spiral out of control, the unthinkable happened; Jamar was declared HIV-positive. Completely broken, Jamar somehow found the light in the darkest time of his life and began to turn things around.
Acknowledging his experience, Jamar Rogers says, “my message is that of love and redemption that you can put your mind to whatever you want to and I don’t care what it is you have been through. If you are willing to live your best life; you really can do that.”
Jamar Rogers is one of the more than 1.1 million people living with HIV infection in United States. In Tennessee, there were a total of 820 new cases of HIV and 16,063 people living with HIV by the end of 2013. “Blacks comprise the burden of HIV, both nationally and in the State of Tennessee. In Hamilton County (Chattanooga), Blacks represent approximately 20% of the population and make up 44% of new HIV diagnoses and 47% of people living with HIV/AIDS as of 2013.”
“After 30 years, we have made significant strides, but our work is not done until we end HIV transmission. We must continue our collective community education, prevention, testing, and treatment efforts. We must also address the root causes of HIV,” says Dr. Shanell L. McGoy, Director of the HIV/STD Section, Tennessee Department of Health.
Laurie Tucker, STD Supervisor, Chattanooga-Hamilton Co. Health Department states, “Nationally 1 in 6 people is unaware of their status. The test is free. Take the test, know your status.”
For more information about HIV and AIDS, go to the website www.hivtest.org.