Students with HIV/AIDS may fear isolation and rejection, but by coming forward, they may be able to inform other students and become an advocate for HIV/AIDS on campus.
Tawain Kelly, a Benedict College student, who recently came forward about having the disease, said that the number of HIV/AIDS cases at historically black colleges is much higher than people generally think.
What better place to start educating people about sexually transmitted diseases than on a college campus?
Last month FAMU took part in the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The primary goal of the Awareness Day was to motivate black people to get tested, educated about transmission, involved in their local communities and treated if they are currently living with HIV.
This was a very commendable effort, but there is always more to be done.
The most common reason for not being tested is fear the results will be positive. As long as the college or university provides the service, it is up to the student to get tested and know his or her status.
Blacks are more likely at risk for HIV infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV/AIDS was among the top three causes of death for black men and women ages 25-54 years.
AIDS can affect anyone from an unborn baby to a star basketball player-from heterosexual to homosexual.
Even if you don’t know anyone with HIV, you can join or start an organization or community effort to increase awareness about the disease.
Spread information, not AIDS!
-Malika Harrison for the editorial board.