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White Attire Affair Remerges on July 18, 2009

By: Herndon L. Davis
 

You can call it a comeback, a new era or simply a rebirth but either way you describe it the annual White Attire Affair proudly returns on Saturday July 18, 2009. It is the largest HIV/AIDS prevention social marketing event in America targeted towards African Americans. This lavish and festive event is now organized, owned and hosted by the Al Sura Foundation which is headed by Rahim Briggs and supported by several dozen advocates, corporate and non-profit executives who have come together to finally end the struggle against HIV/AIDS in Washington, DC and throughout Black America.

 

The White Attire Affair's Rich History
 

For nine consecutive years, the White Attire Affair, a nationally heralded event attended by thousands of mostly African Americans raised thousands of dollars to assist HIV/AIDS providers in Washington, DC and in surrounding areas.

But in 2008, the event went on a brief hiatus in order re-organize. This July the Al Sura Foundation takes control of the event and promises to provide year-round HIV/AIDS prevention leadership, training, and advocacy to Black communities.

"The White Attire Affair will be just one of several planned social marketing events across the mid-Atlantic region" explains Briggs who originated the fundraiser in his backyard 10 years ago.

The10th Annual White Attire Affair is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2009 featuring live entertainment and food. The 2009 theme is "The Experience."






 

Washington, DC HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Al Sura
 

The need the Al Sura Foundation is great. Sadly it was recently reported that:
 

  • 76.2% of all people living with HIV/AIDS cases in Washington, DC were Black

  • 92% of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Washington, DC were Black

  • Black men who have sex with men (MSM) comprised of 58% of people living with HIV/AIDS.

  • Among all women in Washington, DC, Black women consist of 91% of those living with HIV/AIDS.

  • Among all women in Washington, DC, Black women consist of 93.2% of newly reported AIDS cases

Even more shocking is that District of Columbia Public Health officials perceive these startling numbers to be greatly underestimated. "Something critical, proactive and significant must done within black communities not just in DC but everywhere across America" explained Briggs. "This is where Al Sura fulfills the leadership void on HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment in Black communities. This is where we reach out to at-risk youth. This is our time and the time is NOW. Al Sura is the conduit through which change and progress will occur."

 

Join Al Sura in the Struggle to End HIV/AIDS
 

So what can you do to help? Visit Al Sura's website at http://al-sura.org. While there you can:

 

  1. Join our email listserv to stay updated on our initiative, projects and events.
  2. Make a tax-deductible contribution to assist us in achieving our mission.
  3. Learn more about the advances and challenges of HIV/AIDS research, outreach, testing, and treatment.
  4. Share your thoughts and sign up for volunteer opportunities.

You can also add Al Sura as a friend on Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Tell your friends about us and engage them in this crucial battle that we must win!








 

 







 
 
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