Church hosting HIV/AIDS awareness program | Community Spirit

The Philadelphia Center, Community Activist Lester Smith and Caddo Parish Commissioner Stephanie Lynch will host "Operation Cease the Violence, End the Silence", and effort to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS related issues, especially within the African-American community.

The event begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 11 at the Hollywood Baptist Church, 5305 Roberts Street in Shreveport.

There are half a million Blacks living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S and Louisiana is one of the top ten states with a high concentration of people living with the disease, and having the highest rates of new HIV infections and new AIDS diagnoses.

Blacks account for more than 50% of deaths due to HIV/AIDS, and HIV is the fourth leading cause of death for Black men and women, ages 25-44.

Equally alarming is the high incidence of black on black murders and homicides, which is the fourth leading cause of death for Black boys and men ages 15-34.

Community groups, churches, and businesses are joining in the effort to break the silence and bring awareness and education, including “Mothers of the Victims,” The Sisterz with Thicnezz,” “Ark-La-Tex Riders,” “Top Notch Riders,” Hollywood Baptist Church, and Southern Soul Lounge.