hip hop 4 hiv

sponsored by the city of dallas, 97.9 the beat and the mlk, jr family clinic, the hip hop 4 hiv event is an initiative 2 raise awareness and educate the community on the viral influence of aids n the black community.

2 lure the youngsters out, called 'testing 4 tickets,' the sponsors r hosting a concert on the steps of dallas city hall with some of the hottest hip hop artists 2 date. david banner, mike jones, bun b, young berg, day 26 and more, including local artists as well. i did see the local rapper coming up King's wrapped chevrolet tahoe. he is a resident of my community ssol (south side on lamar), a great guy and family man. go support king.

i am encouraged 2 c education and awaressness being raised n our community. the parking lot was full even across the street at madison high and the lines were outside the door. channel 11 news was on hand to lend media support as well as 94.5 and 104.5.

from the dallas city hall website, here some startling statistics concerning aids nationally, state-wide and in our city...

HIV/AIDS Statistics

• U.S. – About 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS. New technology shows that the incidence of HIV is higher than previously known (with estimates at 56,300, rather than the originalestimate of 40,000, new HIV diagnoses each year). It is estimated that 25% of those infected with HIVdo not know it.

• State of Texas – over 60,000 Texans are living with HIV/AIDS, with about 5,000 new HIV diagnoseseach year

• Dallas County – over 13,000 in Dallas County are living with HIV/AIDS, with over 700 new HIV casesreported last year (2007).

aids is a silent killer n our communtiy whereas most carriers r unaware they have the disease. many pass it on to unsuspecting others thru irresponsible behavior and pure ignorance. unfortunately, more often than not, those who do know their status and are positive, cannot afford the exhorbitant prices of the medical cocktails of pills and treatment available. not must we raise awareness, but we must also lower costs for treatments for the average human being. if it can be affordable in africa, it can be made affordable in these united states.

the person you r grinding on a whim, 'hooking up with' on the sly, doing whenever they come to town, dating, engaged 2 or even married 2 just may b a carrier of the disease. u cannot simply 'look' at someone and judge whether or not they have the disease. it is known 2 even lie dormant n the body on an average of 7 yrs b4 becoming active n the body. professionals recommend being tested every 6 months.i encourage u 2 respect urself and get tested. if not then 4 urself, 4 whomever else enters ur life and their loved ones. think beyond urself. ur status affects more than just u. life is more than just u!

however, this 'pre' awareness is great n that it gives one the opportunity 2 engage n preventive action. self awareness, responsible action and disease education r great deterrents 2 contracting the disease. my prayer is that this is more than a concert 4 the throngs of youth i saw who were standing n the heat 2 get tested 2 get a ticket. my hope is that this ticket is entree n2 a proactive lifestyle of positive and informed choices and responsible behavior.

many kudos and 'big ups' 2 mayor tom leppert, mayor pro tem dwaine caraway and his 'teen summit' initiative 4 taking a stance and showing concern 4 our community. mr caraway is a non-stop community changing machine and a political dynamo. also 2 rickey smiley who is always on the grind n the community, concerned about the people and making a tangible difference n the lives of many. the lives that will b saved as a result of this effort cannot b counted nor can a price tag affixed 2 them. there is a 'fresh wind' blowing thru dallas city hall and it is cool and refreshing. soon the deserts of many forgotten or simply neglected communities will become oasises of pride and progression because of the work of few who still believe n a better future 4 all dallasites.

ps. u guys know i love pictures but my digital cameras battery was depleted. i took a picture with my sidekick phone but cant download it 2 my computure! ... ill keep trying! :-)

live, laugh and love 4 life is not promised!

agape,

pastor p