Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Talk show host Wendy Williams and R&B vocalist Keri Hilson participated in New York City’s AIDS Walk this past Sunday, May 20.
The two starlets used their celebrity statues to support the charity event that reportedly rose over $6 million. The dollars are much needed funding that will be used to help undergird the city’s medical and social services for those individuals living with the disease.
The ladies were also very vocal about the lack of awareness in the African American community and expressed their concerns. Wendy said, “We’ve had an impact regarding awareness, but not enough of an impact. Any average 17-year-old right now is not even threatened by AIDS. The big bubble of fear is trapped within a particular age group, and I don’t believe that it exists with high school kids and even some college kids.
Hilson, who is from Decatur, GA [a suburb outside of Atlanta] was shocked to hear that her hometown is considered “one of six U.S. cities hardest hit by the global AIDS epidemic.” The ‘Pretty Girl Rock’ singer was disturbed about the alarming statistic and said, “I’m born and raised in Atlanta and I’m just learning this — today, as a matter of fact. There’s no way that we should be there and not know that and not have bigger support for those that are infected and affected.”
As a result of her participation Sunday, Keri Hilson says she is going to become more involved with HIV-AIDS organizations in Atlanta and is making it a “personal mission.” Kudos to Wendy and Keri for taking a stand in the fight against HIV-AIDS!
Tell us why you think the rate of HIV-AIDS infection in the African American community is so high?