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“A Real World Perspective” is the theme of Lafayette’s annual AIDS Symposium this year, which will feature a lecture by former “Real World” cast member Mohammed Bilal, a presentation by a Planned Parenthood representative, and an information marketplace today.
Sponsored by Brothers of Lafayette and the Office of Intercultural Development, symposium events are free and open to the public.
AIDS prevention and awareness organizations will provide information and offer various services, including free and anonymous AIDS testing, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Farinon College Center. Invited guests for the information marketplace include Easton Hospital, the Safe Harbor homeless shelter, Advocates for Healthy Children, Northampton County Health Department, Planned Parenthood of Northeast Pennsylvania, Bethlehem Health Bureau, St. Luke’s Hospital, AIDS Outreach, The Weller Center, Latino AIDS Outreach Project, Community Care Center, AIDS Service Center, Sacred Heart Hospital, and the Department of Community Health & Health Studies of the Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.
Marguerite Guido, community educator with Planned Parenthood of Northeast Pennsylvania, will discuss preventive measures and social responsibilities regarding HIV and AIDS at a brown bag event 12:15 p.m. in the David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center.
Bilal’s lecture, which will address issues ranging from personal conflict to watching a friend suffer with AIDS, will take place 7:30 p.m. in Colton Chapel. Bilal is a musician, poet, writer, and lecturer, as well as former drug and alcohol counselor for teens. After his stint on MTV’s “Real World: San Francisco,” he was part of a hip-hop band, Midnight Voices, which was recognized for its commitment to serving as a positive role model.
The AIDS Symposium was established to achieve three goals, according to the Office of Intercultural Development.
“The first goal is to ensure that the Lafayette community has a basic understanding about HIV and AIDS, including transmission of the virus, global statistics, and the difference between HIV and AIDS.The second goal is to realize the importance of HIV and AIDS, especially economic, cultural, and social impacts.The third goal is to promote social action and responsibility regarding being tested, peer education, and community involvement in AIDS prevention.”
Past AIDS Symposium themes have included the impact AIDS has had on women and minority communities and the devastating AIDS epidemic in Africa.