On World AIDS Day in Dec. 2024, the African American Reach and Teach Health Ministry (AARTH) partnered with several health organizations to present “Take The Rights Path” at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. The event sparked passionate words and conversation from major community figures working to end HIV through a human rights agenda.

Among the speakers was Sheley Secrest, the President of NAACP State Area Conference Advocates, who emphasized the urgent need to address the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV to end the epidemic in our lifetime. She encouraged the audience to identify and connect with organizations and advocates actively working to move the message forward, ensure access to treatment, and advance research. 

Dr. Renee McCoy, the HIV programs director for AARTH, framed the concept of hope as "an act of resistance," requiring faith not only in a higher power but also in one another as a community. She highlighted significant progress, noting that medication like PrEP offers 95% protection from contracting HIV through sex and 75% protection through IV drug use, though concern was voiced that people of color are not receiving this information. 

Omari Salibury shared the personal story of his brother, Hiram Salisbury, who passed away in 2005 after a "courageous battle with HIV AIDS," underscoring that World AIDS Day is a deeply personal journey of "love, loss, and resilience.” He declared the fight against HIV/AIDS as inextricably linked to the fight for social justice, demanding that underlying social, economic, and political inequalities be addressed. The ultimate goal is to build a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a threat and everyone can live fulfilling lives, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or HIV status.

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