A variety of events have been scheduled in Nashville leading up to World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, to honor those whose lives have been affected by the disease and to highlight the need for continued commitment to the fight against HIV.
Now in its second year, the World AIDS Day International Film Series will present a lineup of media including film, First Person Theater, posters and music to encourage dialogue about the growing AIDS epidemic.
Each evening, a different country will be highlighted and an expert on HIV in that country will moderate a discussion around the theme of Leadership and the portrayal of HIV and AIDS in the film. This year's event will focus on Kenya, Japan, Latin America, The Netherlands and the U.S.A. The film series runs from the 20th through the 23rd of November at Watkins College of Art, Design & Film at 2298 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
ONE Voice will be presented by a First Person Theatre group on Dec. 1 at Meharry Medical College’s Learning Resource Center. Local artist Sarah Hart will conclude the evening with a song she wrote in honor of World AIDS Day. Free HIV rapid screening will be available each night.
Last year, more than a dozen local organizations and agencies came together for World AIDS Day events in an effort to create a forum in which to bring the community together to establish a meaningful dialog about HIV.
World AIDS Day was established Dec. 1, 1988, as a means to increase awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education about HIV and AIDS. World AIDS Day is an important way of reminding people that HIV is an ongoing issue that affects millions at home and around the world. The 2008 theme for World AIDS Day is Leadership
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33 million people living with HIV worldwide, including 2 million children, and during 2007 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around 95% of people with HIV and AIDS live in developing nations, but HIV continues to be a threat to men, women and children around the world.
All events begin precisely at 6 p.m. each night and are free. Seating may be limited. For more information, visit Nashville CARES.