Coming Dec. 6, the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV’s (LACHIV) Black Caucus is joining forces with local leaders and organizations to host a community-focused World AIDS Day event, emphasizing the sexual health needs of Black communities.
Scheduled to take place at Charles Drew University, the free event aims to educate, support, and empower attendees while addressing the ongoing impact of HIV in Black communities.
With the theme of “Our Stories, Our Strength: Elevating Black Lives on World AIDS Day,” the event will include HIV testing with a $25 gift card incentive, free lunch, giveaways, and access to numerous community resources. Entertainment and live performance art will add a celebratory touch to a day designed to bring people together in the spirit of inclusivity and awareness.
The event’s organizers, in partnership with Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s District 2 Office and Charles Drew University, have expressed their dedication to creating a safe space for open dialogue.
LACHIV Black Caucus Co-Chair Danielle Campbell, MPH highlighted the challenges of addressing stigma within Black communities, stating, “Black people are overrepresented in new HIV diagnoses and disproportionately affected by STIs. The stigma is a barrier to having these necessary conversations.”
Attendees can expect more than education; the event will include a resource fair. While many are focused on HIV care, others, such as food banks, will address broader needs, ensuring comprehensive community support.
“It’s important to involve everyone,” said LACHIV Black Caucus Co-Chair Leon Maultsby. “This isn’t just about people living with HIV. It’s about everyone coming together to share stories, hear each other, and engage in solutions.”
The collaboration between organizations like Charles Drew University and the backing of Supervisor Mitchell has been key to the event’s success. Last year’s gathering left a lasting impression on attendees, with participants describing the joy of seeing healthcare providers and people living with HIV connecting and sharing their journeys.
Leon noted, “These events feel like reunions. For providers, it’s a reminder of the progress made, and for patients, it’s about being recognized as more than a diagnosis.”
Despite medical advancements in HIV prevention and treatment, the virus continues to disproportionately affect Black communities. Events like this seek to counteract not only the medical challenges but also the deep-seated misconceptions surrounding HIV.
“Many people still believe myths, like thinking HIV can be spread through casual contact,” Campbell explained. “Through events like this, we can educate, break down stigma, and foster understanding.”
This year’s theme emphasizes storytelling as a source of strength. Organizers hope the event will highlight the resilience of Black communities while encouraging an ongoing commitment to health and awareness.
Campbell commented, “What has sustained us in this country for more than 400 years is us—our ability to come together and gather in ways that only we can do.”
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the work still needed to combat HIV. For Los Angeles County, this event marks an important step in addressing health disparities and creating an inclusive space for advocacy. Join on Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Charles Drew University.
For more information about the event, visit https://hiv.lacounty.gov.
