For the last three years, our blog posts for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), February 7th of every year, have focused on new media or statistics about African Americans and HIV. This year we wanted to share with you thoughts from two of our colleagues. No new media. No statistics. Just important words about an important day:

As a Black gay man living with HIV, you know, the challenges for all of us are very difficult, but I think that what we should all know, that we should all also commit ourselves to, is that we can live long with HIV and that we can help to end the HIV epidemic in our communities. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to recommit to that goal and to do everything that we can to overcome this and to make our communities healthy and well.

-Cornelius Baker, Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) Member and Advisor to The National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition and the Exit DisclaimerAED Center on AIDS & Community HealthExit Disclaimer

Healthy Black CommunitiesExit Disclaimer is the lead coordinator for NBHAAD. Their CEO, Montee Evans, notes:

We are utilizing this initiative to mobilize Black communities around HIV/AIDS, given the disproportionate representation shown in the statistics. NBHAAD serves as a platform to mobilize Black communities and heighten HIV/AIDS awareness specifically within this population. By focusing on HIV testing, treatment and education; we are linking to the priorities of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (i.e. reducing HIV incidence, increasing access to care, and reducing HIV related health disparities).

To learn more about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on February 7 and how you or your community can get involved, please visit their websiteExit Disclaimer to register an event, download planning resources, and more. You can also follow NBHAAD on TwitterExit Disclaimer and FacebookExit Disclaimer.

Are you planning an event or activity for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day around HIV awareness or testing? Share with us what you are doing for NBHAAD.