Philadelphia FIGHT Kicks Off 20th Annual AIDS Education Month Events

Philadelphia FIGHT announces the calendar of events for the 20th annual AIDS Education Month -- Imagine a World Without AIDS, a one-of-a kind city-wide program held annually in June. AIDS Education Month (AEM) is a series of events, conferences and workshops to increase AIDS awareness and exchange the most up-to-date, advanced HIV information. This year's Honorary Chair is Representative Brian Sims. Co-chairs are Melissa Weiler Gerber, Executive Director, Family Planning Council, and Bishop Audrey Bronson, Sanctuary Church of the Open Door. To register for any of the month's events or for more information, visit www.aidseducationmonth.org or call 215-985-4448, ext. 200. All AIDS Education Month events are free.

"For the 20th Anniversary we have an exciting lineup. From our three major summits to Hip Hop for Philly to the new Step Up for AIDS event, there is something for everyone," says Juliet Fink Yates, Philadelphia FIGHT's Director of Education. "And, even if you can't make it out but you have a group that needs some basic HIV/AIDS education, we'll come out to you because we provide over 100 community presentations during the month of June. There are so many ways to get involved!"

AEM 2014 Schedule of Events

** OPENING RECEPTION AND AWARDS CEREMONY
TONIGHT, June 3, 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Independence Visitors Center, 6th and Market streets
This is the official kickoff celebration for the 20th anniversary of AIDS Education Month. Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, a French virologist and Director of the Regulation of Retroviral Infections Division at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, will be presented with the 2014 Kiyoshi Kuromiya award. Dr. Barré-Sinoussi received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the co-discovery of HIV.

** STEP UP AGAINST AIDS
Thursday, June 5, 2014, HIV testing: 5:00pm, doors open 6:00pm, show 7:00pm
Temple University Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad Street

The first Philadelphia FIGHT Stepping Showcase will use stepping, a long and rich tradition in African-based communities and African American fraternities and sororities, to educate, promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, motivate, and reinforce values of accountability, teamwork, discipline, and commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic.

** FAITH LEADERS AND COMMUNITY SUMMIT
Invitation Only, Saturday, June 7, 2014, 8:00am to 2:00pm
Marriott Downtown Hotel, 1201 Market Street

This will be the 4th annual convening of faith leaders in Philadelphia for the purpose of confronting HIV/AIDS and equipping these leaders with the tools to promote HIV prevention, testing and linkage to care in their daily work. The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Keynote Speaker, former pastor of President Barack Obama, is a theological scholar, author and historian. For 36 years, Reverend Wright served as Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, considered one of the most politically active and socially conscious churches in the nation.

** BEYOND THE WALLS: PRISON HEALTH CARE AND RE-ENTRY SUMMIT
Tuesday, June 10, 2014, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets

Through panels and workshops, we explore health and re-entry challenges facing people who are incarcerated or re-entering our communities, including HIV, mental health issues, substance use, housing, employment, advocacy, mentorship and educational programs. Michelle Alexander, Keynote Speaker, is the New York Times best-selling author of "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness." Dr. Alexander, an Associate Professor of Law at Ohio State University, is a highly acclaimed civil rights lawyer, advocate, and legal scholar.

** THE LEGENDARY CRYSTAL BALL
Saturday, June 14, 2014, 7:00pm to Midnight
University of the Arts, Hamilton Hall, 320 S. Broad Street

Philadelphia FIGHT and COLOURS host the Legendary Crystal Ball as part of AIDS Education Month. This event is one of this region's most recognized house/ballroom community events that integrates HIV prevention with electrified talent, creativity and artistry.

** PREVENTION AND OUTREACH SUMMIT
Wednesday, June 18, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 13th and Arch Streets

Over 1000 people attend the Prevention and Outreach Summit each year to find out the latest information and research on the AIDS epidemic in Philadelphia and beyond. Find out about exciting strategies for preventing HIV and linking those who are positive to life-saving treatment. Learn how the HIV epidemic intersects with related issues including mental health, homelessness, drug use, sex work, and more.

Dr. Farid Esack, Opening Plenary Speaker, formerly a National Commissioner on Gender Equality appointed by President Nelson Mandela, is an active member of Positive Muslims, an organization working with Muslims who are HIV-positive. Paul Kawata, Opening Plenary Speaker, is the Executive Director of the National Minority AIDS Council, the premier organization dedicated to building leadership in communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.

** MOVEMENTS FOR CHANGE
Tuesday, June 24, 2014, 12:00pm to 2:30pm
Friends Center, 1501 Cherry Street

A unique event that each year addresses activism movements. This year, the focus is on immigration movements happening both locally and nationally.

** HIP HOP FOR PHILLY ON NATIONal HIV TESTING DAY
Friday, June 27, 2014
Philadelphia FIGHT and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia seek to motivate 2,000 young people to get tested for HIV by offering a free Hip Hop Concert on National HIV Testing Day. Individuals between the ages of 13 and 24 will receive a ticket if they get a free HIV test at a variety of participating locations throughout the city. NOTE: TIME, LOCATION AND MAJOR HIP HOP STAR TO BE ANNOUNCED!

** COMMUNITY COOKOUT
Saturday, June 28, 2014, 11:00am to 3:00pm
Fairmount Park, Area #2, 33rd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue

The annual cookout is a chance to relax, kick back, and enjoy the community that AEM brings together. There will be a speaker jam, DJ, dancing, and games for kids of all ages.

** GOSPEL CONCERT
Sunday, June 29, 2014, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ, 6401 Ogontz Avenue

This event has become an AIDS Education Month tradition. Join us for an inspirational night of gospel music where we will lift our spirits through song.

** OTHER

Educational presentations in various communities throughout the city, special events for target populations, and major outreach to encourage all Philadelphians to get tested for HIV also take place during AIDS Education Month. Over 10,000 individuals are directly reached by Philadelphia FIGHT's efforts every June.

To register for any of the month's events or for more information, visit www.aidseducationmonth.org or call 215-985-4448, ext. 200. All AIDS Education Month events are free.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA FIGHT: Philadelphia FIGHT is a comprehensive AIDS service organization providing state-of-the art, culturally competent primary care to low income members of the community, HIV specialty care, consumer education, advocacy, social services, and outreach to people living with HIV and those who are at high risk, including family members, communities with high rates of HIV, formerly incarcerated persons, and young people at risk, along with access to the most advanced clinical research in HIV treatment and prevention. Our goal and hope is to end the AIDS epidemic within the lifetime of those currently living with HIV.

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