By Star

Ten years ago, you could turned on T.V. at anytime and you would hear a report on AIDS. Why now is the disease such a dirty word? Especially since it’s claiming so many lives in the black community. The character Lynn from the popular television show Girlfriends caught my attention on this issue. Years ago on an episode she made an AIDS documentary. The first lines in the film captures the reality of too many African-Americans.

“You are dying. Black women are dying. And AIDS is their Killer.”

Black people represent 13% of the U.S. population, but account for 49% of all AIDS cases in America. Black children under the age of 13 make up 63% of infected individuals in this group. Black men account for 41% versus black women who make up 64% of HIV patients .

Why are these numbers so high? Is it the stigma of the disease itself that stops black Americans from getting tested or are there other factors that contribute to the spreading of this incurable disease? Most reports point to the lack of healthcare in urban communities. With 25% of blacks living in poverty, the disease goes undiagnosed and untreated.

Blacks on the other side of the globe face this same problem. Africa is the hardest hit area in the world by far. The Bush Administration sent millions of dollars to the continent to help stop the swell of new cases. Yet, in America we act as though AIDS doesn’t have the potential to eliminate an entire ethnic group inside our boarders.

Focusing on the numbers cause us to forget how the disease is transmitted and how we as a community can stop it from spreading.

Here comes the straight talk. We cannot continue to act as though we do not play a role in ridding our communities of this disease. You can get AIDS from having unprotected sex or sharing needles and syringes. It cannot be transmitted by contact, saliva, or breathing the same air.

Abstinence is one way to have zero exposure. However, if you are having sex, it is important to always use a condom. Many clinics give them away by the handful if you just ask. And don’t think it’s embarrassing. Which would affect you more, asking for condoms or realizing you are HIV positive?

Testing is crucial in determining your risk of exposure. Sexually active individuals should get tested every six months. This is especially important for those who already have a STD, sexually transmitted disease. People with a STD are more likely to contract HIV/AIDS. STD or not, many of us don’t bother with the six month check-up. Failing to use protection and get tested are the main reasons AIDS is the leading cause of death among black Americans.

Unless you are confronted with the possibility of being HIV positive, it’s probably easy to ignore these very simple facts. You can help stop the spread of AIDS by getting tested, getting your sister and brother tested, getting your partner tested, always using condoms, limiting your chances of expose by limiting your sexual partners, and by helping erase the stigma attached to the disease.

We can no longer be ashamed to talk about it. There are 9 days of the year focused on AIDS so check out http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/ The information is out there and so treatment. Each of us can begin to take the first step towards pushing this disease out of our communities.

Star is a 27 year old real champion for change and contributor to HipHopRepublican.com. She holds a degree in communications. She is a lover of Hip Hop and unlike most Republicans thinks it can be an artistic vehicle to change. Star blogs at whydidyousaythatgirl.com where she goes by the pen name Sonskystar.