The AIDS epidemic first came to world’s attention as it broke out in the white gay community. But today, African-Americans are almost ten times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS than whites, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
And AIDS is the leading killer of black Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. If you focus on black men who are gay and in their 20’s, the CDC says thirty percent of them…thirty percent in six big cities…have the AIDS virus.
That infection rate is far higher than for white, Hispanic, or Asian gay men the same age. In spite of these stunning statistics, AIDS is dismissed, denied and just plain not talked about in many black neighborhoods…from Sunday morning church pews to the street corner on Saturday night. This week around the country, some black churches are having a Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS.
(Hosted by John Mcchesney)
Guests:
The Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network, New York;
Dr. Helene Gayle, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta;
Gary Daffin, Multicultural AIDS Coalition, Boston;
Les Pappas, Better World Advertising, San Francisco;
Belynda Dunn, founder, Who Touched Me Ministry, Boston.;