Written by | Ray Cornelius
It was all about female empowerment last night during the “RISE Above” Campaign at the Fabulous Fox Theater’s Egyptian Ballroom. The event was free and open to the public and featured live performances from soul music star Goapele and Grammy-nominated R&B crooner Raheem DeVaughn. There was also poetry, giveaways and an insightful conversation about women’s health and wellness, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
Inspired by the powerful and impactful poem, “Still I Rise”, written by the iconic artist, educator and author, the late Dr. Maya Angelou, the “RISE Above” campaign, also focused on eliminating HIV related stigma by educating and empowering women of color about healthy relationships and responsibilities. One of the evening’s highlights was a PSA featuring Emmy-winning “Greenleaf” star Lynn Whitfield reciting Dr. Angelou’s famous words.
According to current statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 4 individuals living with HIV in the United States are women. Black/African American and Hispanic/Latina women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, compared with women of other races/ethnicities. Of the total estimated number of women living with diagnosed HIV at the end of 2013, 61% (137,504) were African American, 17% (39,177) were white, and 17% (38,664) were Hispanics/Latinas.
Another highlight of the evening was Atlanta City Council President, Ceasar Mitchell, presenting AHF and WORLD with an official proclamation declaring November 3 as “RISE Above Day” in the city.
Check out more photos below + click here to find out how you can “RISE Above” HIV:
Goapele
Raheem DeVaughn
Goapele, Raheem DeVaughn and Ceasar Mitchell
“RISE Above” was inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou‘s “Still I Rise” poem
Goapele + Raheem DeVaughn +
Executive Director of AID Atlanta Nicole Roebuck
Roxane The Poet
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com