In the month of February, we honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of African Americans in the U.S. through Black History Month. But this month also offers the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) an opportunity to explore the current state of African Americans in Chicago and Illinois, and how the HIV epidemic impacts this community.
AFC is a partner in a variety of programs and opportunities to learn more about the African American experience of HIV and AIDS — throughout the month and on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (Feb. 7). Through awareness and educational opportunities, a three-day conference and a town hall gathering, AFC offers a platform for exploring the modern Black experience of health care, HIV and LGBT issues and tackling the disparities and inequalities that exist.
Friday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.
Press conference honoring National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day
Join state leaders and representatives from Illinois’ African-American community at a press conference at Mile Square Center.
Friday, Feb. 6, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
“I Can’t Breathe”: Racism and the state of public health in Chicago
Part of the Health Disparities and Social Justice Conference of DePaul University’s Masters in Public Health program, this daylong, free-of-charge series of talks explores the challenges faced by people of color in Chicago’s health care system. Click here to learn more.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
#BlackHealthMatters: A faith community educating about HIV/AIDS in the Black community
This afternoon experience at West Point Baptist Church will feature panelists discussing the HIV epidemic in Black communities, entertainment and lunch. Click here to learn more.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
“When we know better, we do better” town hall
Join the Chicago Department of Public Health, AFC, and the Black AIDS Institute to discuss “When we know better, we do better,” a report on the role science and treatment knowledge can play to improve outcomes in the treatment cascade and reduce new HIV infections. Click here to learn more, and click here to RSVP.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Thursday, Feb. 19, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The state of AIDS in Black Chicago: From the bench to the bedside
This experience will explore the physiological effect of HIV/AIDS and its impact on Black communities across Chicago and Illinois. The conference offers the opportunity to increase scientific understanding of HIV and the way it impacts African Americans and other Black communities. Click here to learn more.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Black lives matter: A community town hall
This conversation will take a critical look at how the Black LGBT community plays a role in the #blacklivesmatter movement. Topics include same-sex marriage, racism and transphobia in mainstream LGBT communities and health and economic disparities. Click here to learn more.
