World AIDS Day Featured A Few Stories Of Tragedy, But Mostly Triumph

The education and support around HIV/AIDS has grown tremendously in Mecklenburg County in the last two decades. I remember when World AIDS Day would come and go with only recognition from Charlotte's gay communities. It's not like that anymore. Last week, a multitude of World AIDS Day celebrations drew a variety of people. I attended The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network's Voices Project Voices Project and Stronger Together luncheon. 

The Voices Project brought together community influencers to share the story of people impacted by HIV and AIDS. This year's storytellers included Power 98's No Limit Larry, 107.9 The Link's Matt Harris, Latina 102.3's Judy Barriga and others. They shared stories from people living with HIV/AIDS as well as from friends and family members of people living with HIV/AIDS. These weren't the Hollywood stories that always have a happy ending. They were real people, some of whom grappled with their poor choices, and others were testimonies of survival.




The celebration didn't stop with World AIDS Day. The remainder of the week included Stronger Together: A World AIDS Day Luncheon.  Lesa Kastanas and Walter Kearns received the Ribbon of Love Leadership Award. On Saturday, the 6th Annual Red Pump/Red Tie Affair featured a fashion show, a silent auction and local boutiques. RAIN's President and CEO Rev. Debbie Warren was this year's honoree.

World AIDS Day events this week

On Monday, the world pauses to recognizes the people who've been impacted by HIV and AIDS. Mecklenburg County is severely and disproportionately affected by HIV disease. There are many stories of tragedy and hope to tell here. Below are a few key events to celebrate World AIDS Day. Find more events in Qnotes' special section.

Monday

The Voices Project -  The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network brings together community influencers to share the story of people impacted by HIV and AIDS. This year's storytellers include Power 98's No Limit Larry, 107.9 The Link's Matt Harris, Latina 102.3 Judy Barriga and more. 6 p.m. Wells Fargo Auditorium, Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. Free, but donations will be accepted. Parking available at the Duke Energy Center (Stonewall between Church and Tryon) and The Green (Tryon and Levine Avenue of the Arts). 

Thursday

Stronger Together: A World AIDS Day Luncheon - R.A.I.N  hosts this luncheon to raise awareness about AIDS. RAIN provides programs for HIV-positive youth, adults and senior adults in the community.  Ribbon of Love Leadership Award recipients for this year's luncheon are Lesa Kastanas and Walter Kearns. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Marriott Charlotte City Center, 100 W. Trade St. $35. Updated: Onsite parking available. $7 flat rate. Other parking options.

Saturday

6th Annual Red Pump/Red Tie Affair - This is the signature event for the Red Pump Project which highlights HIV and AIDS impact on women and girls. The event will feature a fashion show, a silent auction and local boutiques. R.A.I.N. President and CEO Rev. Debbie Warren is this year's honoree.  7 - 10 p.m.,  Hart Witzen Gallery, 136 E 36th St. Tickets: $40. Driving Alert: Access via South Tryon Street instead of North Davidson Street because of road construction.



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