HIV Advocacy Coalition Amplifies Education and Prevention Efforts Across Local Communities
In the heart of Rochester, New York, the community is coming together for an exciting event aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and supporting vital services for those affected by the disease. The event, titled "Hope Takes Action: A Road to Victory for Rochester," is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 21, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Cathedral Hall, located on the fourth floor of the Rochester Auditorium Theatre building.
The lead organizers of this significant gathering are the Sexuality and AIDS Education Program (STAP) and the Rochester Victory Alliance. The MOCHA Center and the Rochester Association for the Performing Arts (RAPA) are sponsors of the event, joined by numerous other groups, including the Seattle-based HIV Vaccine Trials Network Legacy Project, Action for a Better Community, AIDS Community Health Center, AIDS Rochester, Al Sigl Center, the Bachelor Forum, Black Leadership Commission on AIDS-Rochester Affiliate, Black Men Latino Men Health Crisis, Developmental Center for AIDS Research at the University of Rochester, Empire State College, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Huther-Doyle, McCree McCuller Wellness Center, New York State Department of Health Western Region HIV Program, Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS, Tawa Pano Unity Fellowship Church, and VisitRochester.
Stephaun C. Clipper, prevention programs manager of MOCHA, emphasized the importance of collaboration and compassion from community-based organizations, health service providers, and the community in ending the spread of HIV.
The event promises a mix of entertainment and information, with an array of talented performers taking the stage. Among the entertainers are JB Brown (Emcee), DJ Papito, Big Time & Nathaniel, FuturPointe, Imagen, a jazz ensemble from the Eastman School of Music, Miss Sweet Potato Pie, The MOCHA All-Stars, and Szet. The entertainment will include skits, theatrical entertainment, comedy, dance, and music, with a focus on hip-hop, Latino Gospel/Rap, Gospel, theatrical, and jazz.
A highlight of the evening will be a slideshow of AIDS posters from around the world, curated by retired University of Rochester physician Edward Atwater, M.D. The event will also feature a ticket auction for items provided by local community businesses.
Food will be provided by Fresh Wise, with a donation from Wegmans. Parking behind the building is free, and the theatre is located on the 8/8X bus route. The event is free and open to the public, but capacity is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
This event marks a significant step forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Rochester, as the community comes together to support those affected by the disease, raise awareness, and promote prevention efforts. Let's unite and take action towards a victorious future!
[1] It was initially scheduled for August 12th, 2025, but the date has been changed to November 21st, 2020.
[1] The rescheduled date for "Hope Takes Action: A Road to Victory for Rochester," an event promoting community health, health-and-wellness, and supporting services for those affected by HIV/AIDS, is now November 21st, 2020.
[2] The event, organized by STAP and the Rochester Victory Alliance, also includes participation from scientific organizations like the Seattle-based HIV Vaccine Trials Network Legacy Project and the Developmental Center for AIDS Research at the University of Rochester, underscoring the intersection of science and community health.
