Safe is Sexy HIV and AIDS Awareness Event

By Samantha Battle

Manicures and pedicures, body massages, hair styling, and getting your make-up done by professionals was what many women and some men got to enjoy at the Safe is Sexy Aids Awareness event hosted by Actress, Erica Hubbard last month for National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Syreeta Talbert, founder and executive director of the Urban Wellness Project, put together the event in hopes of bringing awareness to HIV and AIDS in the African-American community. Talbert’s Urban Wellness Project provides health and wellness events promoting awareness of choices in health care.

“It’s about creating events that are fun and tangible, but at the same time a learning experience,” said Talbert.

Along with the pampering that guests got to experience, there were also performances and guest speakers. Singer Melody Angel performed a song, accompanied by her guitar, that she wrote specifically about the topic of HIV/AIDS. The performance was heartfelt, which resulted in an eruption of applause and cheer from the audience.

The guests also heard from guest speaker, Dr. Mildred Williamson of the Illinois Department of Public Health. She spoke about trying to eliminate the stigma that comes with HIV and AIDS.

“People living with HIV and AIDS around the country, they deserve our love and respect,” said Williamson. “One of the things that have moved this epidemic so deeply in our community is rejection based on stigma. We need to eliminate stigma in this country. The faster we eliminate stigma, the faster we can improve.”

Some guests felt the event was very educational and that more people need to know more about HIV and AIDS.

“It’s very important that young girls are knowledgeable of all STD’s especially HIV and AIDS because it’s spreading rapidly especially in the African-American community and how to use protection right,” said DeVante Daniels, a guest and designer vendor of Unique’z sunglasses.

Hostess, Erica Hubbard also spoke about HIV and AIDS stating that, “It’s so important to get to the doctor.”

There were also two guest poets who performed poems specifically about AIDS. London A’lexus performed a poem about a woman in Africa that contracted AIDS. The room was quiet as London got into character and gave a heartfelt performance. Everyone applauded her as she finished. The other poet named Brenda Matthews performed a poem, incorporating music.

The event wasn’t only about having a good time, but also a learning experience. There was free on-site HIV/AIDS testing and gift bags were given to guest filled with information on where to go to get tested, condoms, and other health related items.

“One night of passion can be a lifetime of pain and it’s not worth it,” Daniels said.

Hawthorne Race Course

Hey everybody , my name is Alma Escamilla and I'm here to tell you all about my latest visit to Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero, Illinois. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived but I was quickly and warmly greeted by the staff and manager of the track. I found out that the industry is no longer hustling and bustling like it once did in the 70's. It' s unfortunate that it's dwindling down to nothing.

Its downturn has to do in part to large casinos syphoning away bettors. The larger problem though is a legislative bill that wont allow race tracks to have slot machines nor will it give them money for renovations. Without the attractive slot machines many are going straight to Off Track Betting facilities , otherwise known as OTB. Many of the visitors that Hawthorne still has are over 65. I think that the younger bettors are doing it online or at OTBs.

I am not big into sports but I had a great time covering this story. I am not sure of the future of the horse racing industry but hopefully the bill will pass this April and these places will get a break. It's not just a place to go and gamble but it's also a nice place for families to gather and enjoy a nostalgic sport that was once enjoyed by our very own Abraham Lincoln.

Hello there,

Allison here again...just wanted to remind everyone that our cable show will be taping next week. We're trying to put our best stuff out there for the cable shows! And I know what's going to go in it...it's going to be good! So tune in to see that! Also I went to the Chicago Latino Film Fest yesterday. Keep checking to see what film wins for viewers choice...Also, working on a good Chicago story so stay tuned to see how it turns out. Watch me on YouTube.com under my name and comment!! Thanks

-Allison Rodriguez