Intellect & Rhythm

Intellect and Rhythm talked about the awareness of HIV and AIDS. The stats they discussed are scary in terms of the percentages. 49.8% African American woman have HIV and AIDS. While their white counterparts are 2.8 for every 100,000. Men receive HIV and AIDS from having sex with other men. This led me to believe something about the reason so many black women have HIV and AIDS. Black men are heavily incarcerated and some do tend to have sex with other men while incarcerated. Then when they are released they have sex with black women. I believe it starts in the prisons just from that small fact. You can get HIV and AIDS from semen, breast milk, blood, unprotected sex and even with a condom there is a chance. They showed pictures of people who were a little older that were affected when I feel they should have showed teenagers who were affected. The closer in age, the more of and affect the visual aids would have had. They felt that we should start doing things in the communities to express what is felt about HIV and AIDS. One of the young women said to start having a spokesperson in schools (starting with HBCUs) and stat safe practice campaigns. But my thing is this, HIV and AIDs is always talked about especially among my age group. We are very focused on media and BET always has Wrap it Up campaigns and spokespersons who go out to schools and famous people that talk about these issues. What would be the difference if someone in your school did it? I believe it will have the same outcome, the people who do not want to get in contact with HIV and AIDS will pay attention and be aware, and those who do not think it can happen to them will continue their daily lifestyle.

Richelle Jenkins