Ode to "Sex and the City"

The show is based on 4 single females, living and working in NYC. But if you've never seen this show please know that there is more to it than "sex." What I adore about this show is the friendship bond between the women and how unbreakable it is!

For example, 1 friend was involved in an adulterous relationship (calm down she got out of it), 1 became a jew to marry a man, 1 kept going back to a man just to get hurt all over again (Richard Wright), and another was judgemental of ALL things. But through all of the "drama" the friendships never broke. They loved each other through their faults and flaws, and, additionally, they didn't judge one another, instead, they supported all decisions.

Well, recently, a good friend of mine got married (she knows who she is, LOL) and she not only invited me, but she allowed me to bring a guest! Not only was I allowed to bring a guest, but I was also asked to read a poem and YOU ALL KNOW WHERE MY MIND WENT RIGHT??? "Carrie's Poem" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P-SNidWTbE and what was great was this: "his phone didn't ring and he didn't walk out/away" LOL side joke, anyhow, this is my ODE to SATC, and I look fwd to the sequal in May 2010.

Enjoy your girlfriends ladies, especially if they're in your front row. Cherish it b/c women and friendships is very hard to come by in 2009, lovely day!

Let me just get right down to it, LOL.

You see, not all men are deadbeat dads. Not all men cheat on their wives.

Not all fathers forsake their families, some families as a whole forsake the father for mistakes made (I say mistake(s) which we all make daily, right)? As Carrie so eloquently said in SATC the movie – “it’s all about forgiveness” Or, how about this one, “If you want to know how a man will treat his woman, look at how he treats his mom,” but what about looking at the way a woman treats (clears throat) her dad?

Well, fathers, this one is for you. And in case you’re reading this wondering, is she biased – INDEED I am. I have 1 father, and 2 brothers who are the worlds greatest. Don’t get me wrong now, my mom is the best (R.I.P.) and I hope everyone feels that way of their mom, however, women get shine all the time, but men…positive shine…not so much, especially those men w/some color so here we go, you ready?

Happy Father’s day (in advance) to you! May you enjoy this weekend with recognition for playing an active role in your child or children’s lives.

The Art of Friendship

Recently legally downloaded Raheem DeVaughn's latest mixCD - "the Art of Noise" and it immediately made me think of my frienships for some reason...

Years ago I received an email about friendships and movie theaters: everyone doesn't get a front row seat, reposition when necessary, don't feel bad for having to make transitions in your relationships.

Well, daily I'm thankful for the friendships I currently have and even the friendships I once had, they all serve a purpose to progressing who I am in this life. Push, pull, stress, hard work, that doesn't make up my friendships, in face, they're all a walk in the park. The moment it becomes a strain to my character and who I am...theater seat transitions take place, LOL.

Here are just a few ingredients of my frienships (thanks you all):

- NO JUDGEMENT
- the simplicity of communication
- mutual understanding, or basic agreements to disagree
- no babysitting, we don't have to talk daily, like spirits "catch on"
- being what each other needs at different times
- the openness to being teachable (at any point in life)
- clear understanding of seasons, timing, and purpose

Those are just a few ingredients of the art of 'my' friendships. I must say, my friends have taught me so much, especially, what a friend truly is, in my sense of the word.

NOTE: some TV shows that model functional friendships are - Sex and the City, the Cosby Show, Girlfriends, and "Friends" to name a few

I encourage you to evaluate your friendships today, are they all necessary, do you have any, and finally, is it true...

HIV Testing - Take 1

I have been certified to administer HIV testing for about one year now, and yesterday was "take 1" for me.

It's amazing what empathy can do. I recall being the person to get tested for HIV every 6 months. Placing your emotions in the shoe of the other person creates a safe space. A safe space creates communication and with that, truth.

It's very important to be able to speak in truth when taking a test such as an HIV test. As I tested, I couldn't help but to think about the courage it takes to simply KNOW YOUR STATUS.

I am proud to say, no matter what the outcome b/c knoledge truly is power and a directory for that path that's necessary to take due to the outcome, that I assisted in others knowing their status.

Takes 2 - infinity are coming up shortly....KNOW YOUR STATUS!

Sincerely, Dad.

My father, what can I say about him? Thanks to him I know what it means to love. My father has always been consistent in his messages: above all, RESPECT.

On yesterday, my father told me there are three things you want to do as it refers to men:

1) don’t try and change a man
2) don’t move anything w/out asking them
3) I don’t know the 3rd one but I’ll get back to you.

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus is so true. We are all different and unique in our own ways, however, when we try to change a person that’s when we try on shoes that just don’t fit us. God doesn’t even force us to do anything, so how do we, as humans, believe that we can change anyone outside of ourselves?

Today, I say, let’s respect, above all, meaning, appreciate people for who they are and where they are at the time.

♥LOVE♥

So what is love to you?

This hit me hard just yesterday as I thought about how we treat one another as humans. We can learn so much from the animal kingdom. For example, cats and dogs are quick to lick the wounds of one another but humans are quicker to deepen them. The priority for an animal is healing for a human....not so much.

Let's begin this weekend with sober thinking, considering the heart of a matter or another person for that matter. I'll end this very brief morning blog w/this Scripture:

of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

Courtesy of: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:13;&version=65;

Galatians 5:13 (The Message) It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

the "India Arie" Experience

I have waited 2 whole years to see India Arie Live in concert and all 730+ days were worth it! The show took place in Virginia on Monday May 4, 2009 and I'm still basking in the remains of it's energy.

Evening began with the soulful singing of Laura Izibor - you know her "from my heart to yours" if you're a Starbucks finatic, then you definitely know her. She was one of their featured iTunes download of the week! She definitely set the atmosphere for the night.

And then, there was Miss India...what can we say. Pure, gentle, spiritual, in tune, quiet yet strong all at the same time. She came onstage just after we did a "waving of the phones" in the dark using our phone screens as the light, beautiful.

She said a prayer to begin, discussing a challenging day she had, and then it all started - THE MUSIC!!!! Everything from Brown Skin, to Yellow, to my favorite Brandy Song "He Is!" She even walked around the room, sang, and stood in MY CHAIR to dance and sing w/the crowd - classic! To sum it all up, how do you know God is real was adlibbed (sp) by her two powerful background singers, taking us all to another level of spirituality, peace, serenity, and self awareness.

The show changed my life. "The worse disease in the world: is not cancer, its not AIDS....hate is the worse disease in the world and the cure to hate, is LOVE" taken from "The Cure" from her latest album "Testimony Vol. 2: Love & Politics."

India Arie, thank you for allowing your "gift" to be used and shared to us all.

Dear Family & Friends,

On Sunday, May 17th @ 5pm at the Historical Hunter Memorial AME Church 4719 Silver Hill Rd Suitland, MD 20746. DC Gospel Artist are uniting together to raise money for medical expenses for our beloved brother/friend John "Bucky" Tillery & his lovely wife Mrs. Katina Tillery, who received a Kidney Transplant on Friday, April 3, 2009.

This Benefit Concert will feature local & National artist from the nations Capitol, Washington DC. We are soliciting donations from family, friends, colleagues & local Ministries that John has either served or ministered at during his music career.

Your presence and donations are so important during this time. If you should have any questions, PLEASE feel free to contact me at (301) 213-7231 or by writing to jlashawn2@aol.com

DONATIONS CAN BE SENT TO:
- The Tillery Donations PO BOX 1509 Lexington Park, MD 20653.

We the Tillery family truly wish to thank you in advance for your love, prayers & support.

- Blessings,

Mrs. jLaShawn Tillery-Williams
(301) 213-7231 mobile
jlashawn2@aol.com
"Praying, Planning & Processing my 2009"

Courtesy of our friends at: http://www.nmac.org/index/future-women-hiv-aids-leaders

Future Women HIV/AIDS Leaders

Michelle Delores Morgan, Founder, Morgan's Leaning Center


Michelle Delores Morgan is the founder of Morgan's Learning Center (MLC), which mobilizes Black American communities and provides resources to AIDS services in Prince George's County (PGC) in Maryland. MLC works with several local organizations with a direct response to PGC’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence and incidence rates. My motto is "Be educated. Be healthy. And LIVE, passionately!" Awareness creation ranges from volunteering to conduct safety meetings at Pepco Holdings, Inc., to organizing an open house in my Southeast, Washington, DC apartment building to promote prevention and education around HIV using gift bags and posters.

I also refer people to PGC HIV testing sites, drug treatment centers and food banks, and provide education and prevention contacts offered to PGC residents. I believe that everyone is unique, and everyone’s perception is different. Reaching all people exactly from where they are concerning awareness in HIV is the key to community mobilization, one community at a time.

My training experience includes the following: Black AIDS Institute Community Mobilization College Student Fellow Graduate 2008; Certified OraQuick Advance Tester, OraSure Technologies, Inc 2008; Trained HIV Names Reporting Tester, Department of Health AIDS Administration 2008; Certified African American HIV Education and Prevention Instructor, American Red Cross Authorized 2007; CPR Trained and Certified 2008. Since 2006, I have volunteered at the Reid Temple AME Church, as the Pathway to Life HIV/AIDS Ministry Secretary and with Pepco Holdings, Inc., as a Diversity Department Participant. I have been with Whitman-Walker Clinic, as a National HIV Testing Day and Food Bank Volunteer, since 2005.

HIV/AIDS in DC in the Washington Informer

View this article by my mentor, Mr. Guy Weston. Very interesting.

Courtesy of: http://www.washingtoninformer.com/wi-web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1014:hiv-is-serious-but-not-critical-it-depends-on-who-you-ask&catid=57:oped&Itemid=154


HIV is serious, but not critical? It depends on who you ask.


Opinion / Editorial
By Guy Weston
Thursday, 16 April 2009 22:53

The District’s recent announcement that DC’s HIV/AIDS rate hit three percent evokes an array of reactions that speak to the complexity of this compelling public health issue. How serious is three percent? To the extent that three percent translates into life-altering impact on 15,120 District residents and their spouses or partners and some family members, I would say “quite serious” as an extended family member and surviving partner of loved ones who died from HIV/AIDS. As a public health professional that analyzes data on local public and private health care expenditures that exceed $100 million each year, I say HIV/AIDS is a “very serious” public policy issue. Considering the fact that the city’s report also tells us that the highest rates of HIV are among residents aged 40-49 and among African American male residents, both at seven percent, I might say “critically serious,” as I am a member of both groups.

While the HIV/AIDS Administration 2007 study on sexual behavior among “men who have sex with men” is pending publication, studies in other cities suggest the rate in this population may be as high as 46 percent for African American men. I have managed to remain HIV negative, having learned my lessons early joining the HIV/AIDS workforce and simultaneously becoming openly gay 23 years ago. Certainly, critical is in the eye of the beholder.

As my personal and professional vantage points may be shared by a significant number of DC residents, (public health professionals, African American men, gay men, and 40-49 year olds), HIV/AIDS is a critical issue for a significant proportion of our population. We should also remember that 3 percent is not unique. HIV/AIDS prevalence among adult residents of Baltimore is also three percent; Newark, New Jersey follows close behind at 2.7 percent, according to published HIV/AIDS statistics and census data.It is also critical to confront findings of the city’s report that frequently escape public discourse.

Heterosexual contact is emerging as the leading mode of HIV transmission in recent years, according to the report’s analysis. The total number of living HIV/AIDS cases among African American women (3902) is already larger than the number of cases identified as African American men who have sex with men (3606).

Moreover, the number of men who have sex with men cases is less than one-third of the total 11,539 living cases recorded among African Americans. Even if the number of cases in men who have sex with men is an undercount, as 976 male cases were reported without risks identified, it is clear that heterosexually transmitted HIV infection is a burgeoning phenomenon.This becomes a sticky subject in the world of HIV funding and politics, where discussions of the dynamics of HIV transmission frequently lead to stigma and blame. The fact that such findings affect resource allocation complicates the discussion further. This is not a new phenomenon. In 1987, the Journal of the National Medical Association published a special analysis of national AIDS data, indicating “nearly half of AIDS cases among Blacks” were heterosexual. At that point in time, cases attributed to heterosexual contact were concentrated in regions of endemic injecting drug use, such as parts of Baltimore and Newark, and injecting drug use was termed HIV’s primary “portal of entry into the heterosexual population.”

It comes as no surprise 20 years later, that heterosexual HIV transmission continues to be highly correlated with injecting and non-injecting substance abuse. That’s not to say that women don’t also become infected from sex with those so called “down low” brothers that sometimes dominate the conversation about women and HIV. On the other hand, we do not have data suggesting that one transmission mode (injecting drug use, sex with a man with a history of injecting drug use, or sex with a bisexual man) is the primary transmission mode to the exclusion of all others. HIV prevention messages that exclude potential transmission modes will not effectively protect our communities from HIV infection.

We do, in fact have a “modern, generalized, and critical” epidemic that affects a number of populations, albeit in different proportions. In addition to the health department’s promotion of early testing and condom availability, we, as affected communities, must deal with the message of statistics frankly, so that persons at risk can feel vulnerable enough to know that the testing and condom messages apply to them.

Guy Weston was Director of Data and Research at the HIV/AIDS Administration from 2001-2003. At present, he is a consultant to local health organizations focusing on Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation.

St. Jude RadioThon: Moses T. Alexander Greene & Friends

Tune into 104.1 FM tomorrow on radio or online at http://www.praise1041.com/

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Moses T. Alexander Greene

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 1, 2009

MEDIA-ONLY CONTACT:
The Arden Charis Group
(240) 421-4330


MOSES T. ALEXANDER GREENE TO JOIN BRENT JONES, AARON SPEARS, CHERYL JACKSON, ANTHONY BROWN AND OTHERS FOR PRAISE 104.1 ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL RADIOTHON From 1 to 3, Best-selling author/publicist to join DC's Station for Inspiration as guest host for day of fundraising Artist/Songwriter Mike McCoy to talk about family's personal experience with sickle cell anemia

(Washington, DC) The Arden Charis Group this evening announced that best-selling author/publicist Moses T. Alexander Greene will join WPRS-FM/Praise 104.1 for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Radiothon tomorrow, Thursday, April 2. From 7 am (during the station's broadcast of "The Yolanda Adams Morning Show") through 7 pm, Greene will join a stellar line-up of guest radio announcers for the day which include DC's own Stellar Award Radio Announcer of the Year Cheryl Jackson, Gospel Artist Brent Jones and Praise 104.1 Program Director Matt Anderson. Acclaimed drummer Aaron Spears, songwriter/artist Anthony Brown, National Chair of the National Congress of Black Women Dr. E. Faye Williams, songwriter/artist Mike McCoy and members of various local civic associations, churches and community groups will also be on site handling phones, being interviewed, and taking donations from listeners.

"I am honored to be able to work with PRAISE 104.1 again and humbled by this opportunity to invite our listeners to become partners in hope," said Greene, who visited the St. Jude last fall on behalf of the station. "Although the economy is tight for most these days, because childhood cancers and diseases have not stopped, neither can our giving. I've toured the hospital, met with the physicians and researchers and even had opportunity to meet the patients and their families. Every dollar we raise is hope for a child facing catastrophic circumstances.Tomorrow is about raising hope."

Located in Memphis, Tennesse, St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made at the hospital have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. With research and patient care under one roof, St. Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly. The hospital is a place where many doctors send some of their sickest patients and toughest cases. A place where cutting-edge research and revolutionary discoveries happen every day.

Greene and others will focus on asking listeners to become "Partners In Hope;" that is, long term monthly donors for St. Jude who commit to $20 per month. Anthony Brown, who penned Maurette Brown-Clark's hit "It Ain't Over" (currently #6 on Billboard), immediately committed to answering phones for the radiothon when Greene asked if he would volunteer. "Having just months ago lost one of my group members to cancer," said Brown, "this radiothon resonated with me in a strong way and will with anyone who has ever lost anyone of any age to the disease. I was most impressed with St. Jude's 'never send a bill' policy which means families never have to choose between their child and their lives." All patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are treated without regard for their family's ability to pay.

Last year the station raised over $150,000 during the all-day radiothon. This year, station representatives are looking to double that amount. Listeners will be asked to either call 1-800-345-HOPE/1-800-345-4673 or go online at http://www.praise1041.com/ to make their donations. Those outside of the Washington, DC Metropolitan area who would like to listen live to the broadcast can have tune-in online at the same website.

Local artist Mike McCoy, who is a parent of two children with sickle cell anemia, will be interviewed between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm. McCoy will give listeners an inside look at how the research conducted at St. Jude and the protocols developed there are shared freely with hospitals around the world, including those which have taken care of his children. Legendary broadcaster Cheryl Jackson adds, "I am advocate for children and for institutions which sacrifice to ensure that children receive the necessary health benefits for living a vibrant life. Each pledge could be the one to find the cure for cancer. I had to be here."


Moses T. Alexander GreenePublic Relations / Media ManagementArtistic Direction / Behind-the-Scenes Coverage"Life changes when you grab whatever you love and give it everything." I love my life! In 7 Days you will not recognize my life.

-- Building Quietly,Moses T. Alexander GreenePublic Relations / Media ManagementArtistic Direction / Behind-the-Scenes Coverage"Life changes when you grab whatever you love and give it everything."

I love my life! In 7 Days you will not recognize my life.

The Power of ONE

As I am an avid fan of music, I thought I’d do a piece on “the power of one.” I’ve been hearing it across the Christian/Gospel genres and it reminded me of something I was once told: “Write yourself a letter, forgiving yourself, telling yourself how much you love…yourself! It’ll help you become one whole person.”

We are one, there is power in the unity of one, but before we collectively form a unit of one, we must foundationally start with US, as individuals – you know, the “original unit,” the individual/ONE….you!

There are many things that make up one whole person and forgiveness of self can be a major portion of being whole. Sure, God forgives us, we have forgiven others and others have forgiven us, but have you ever forgiven you? For those things in life you regret, or those things in life you are currently fixing or restoring.

Take some alone time, some time away from others. Be one with yourself and be mentally healthy and whole. One whole unit means one whole individual. Are you whole today?

The Power of ONE

Philippians 4:12 (King James Version)

"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

So in the words of my oh so wise father, whatever situation you find yourself in, MOVE IN, get comfortable, learn to LOVE IT b/c you’re there? God is so powerful that He has control over ALL, even if or when we pave paths of destruction for our own life, he allows things, yet He has the FINAL say.

Years ago, a wonderful girlfriend of mine created the life of “celebrating yourself” and IDK how in the world she was able to do that, but I watched her, and she celebrated WHERE SHE WAS. Whether she was recovering from a car accident, a hurtful relationship, a misleading friendship or good old fashion CHURCH HURT – she celebrated herself in each situation.

So what is celebrating yourself?:

• Taking Philippians 4:12 as a theme for your life

• Taking time to be ALONE, you’d be surprise at how many of us always need company b/c truly we don’t like OURSELVES

• Running to the loneliness, it’s not easy being alone but it’s do-able and God wants us sometimes w/out distraction, I take that back MOST TIMES w/out distraction

• Embracing the person you are right now – don’t try and change you unless you feel the pull of God on your heart saying – SHUGGA, you have a few character flaws that I need….give them up NOW!

So, that being said, I say CELEBRATE YOURSELVES TODAY! For tomorrow is never promised, and where you are today, please know, there are thousands WILLING to take your place, yea, even right there my sister/brother.This was the 1st scripture my dad taught me b/c it allowed me to look up the word ABASED in the dictionary and now almost 31 yrs later, I NOW SEE the impact it has on my life daily, wherever I am, spiritually, emotionally, or naturally at the time.

WE DO control how WE FEEL…you know, just try and change your feeling for once.

Happy FRIDAY – YOU MAKE IT a great weekend!

WDC: HIV/AIDS

So, we made it to Essence Mag, YET AGAIN a few months back as I aforemention in previous emails, and now, we have Mayor Fenty heavily involved reporting the most accurate numbers "numbers?" They're stating 1/33 in WDC has either HIV or AIDS but to be exact 1/20 - HIV and 1/50 - HIV a/o 2006/2007 reports show. Currently 1 out of 4 people in the US (in the whole number of 1 million) have HIV and do not know it! In PGC, about more than 1/2 of the cases are Black American cases of HIV/AIDS. ANYWAY - it's ALWAYS been a huge deal, but now that the eyes of DMV residents are finally being opened by the DC Mayor and the infamous Fox 5 News - it's HUGE, so here's the article, and as always - please, "be educated. be healthy. and LIVE....passionately!" The HIV discussion sponsored by the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. that I conducted this past weekend was a HUGE success - thank you for your support and prayers. KNOW YOUR STATUS - be not afraid b/c what we suffer from most is IGNORANCE.------------

Courtesy of:http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/031609_dc_hiv_aids_rates_rise

HIV-AIDS Cases Rise in D.C.

Last Edited: Monday, 16 Mar 2009, 6:03 AM EDT
Created On: Monday, 16 Mar 2009, 5:55 AM EDTWASHINGTON

A report scheduled for release Monday says at least 3 percent of residents in the nation's capital are living with HIV or AIDS and every mode of transmission is on the rise.The findings in the 2008 epidemiology report by the D.C. HIV/AIDS Administration point to a severe epidemic that's affecting every race and gender across the population and neighborhoods.Director Shannon Hader says Washington's AIDS rates are higher than West Africa and on par with Uganda and parts of Kenya.The report, obtained by The Washington Post, updates a landmark 2007 study that discovered the epidemic had moved from affecting a mostly gay population to a general one, and that it disproportionately affected blacks.The study found that the number of HIV and AIDS cases jumped 22 percent from the 12,428 reported in 2006.

-- Warmly,
Michelle D. Morgan, mba
Join or donate today: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=299353&supId=181049123
Morgan's Learning Center"be educated. be healthy. and LIVE....passionately!"http://www.hivtest.org/

Today is National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

do you know YOUR status? Thank you Chicago for your efforts:

Courtesy of: http://www.theredpumpproject.com/

Statistics used are from the Center for Disease Control's website. Although these stats are only taking the United States into account, globally, HIV/AIDS is no less of a problem, especially for women.Key Snapshot of the U.S. Epidemic Today

Number of new HIV infections, 2006: 56,300

Number of people living with HIV/AIDS: 1.1 million, including more than 468,000 with AIDS

Number of AIDS deaths since beginning of epidemic: 583,298, including 14,561 in 2007

Percent of people infected with HIV who don’t know it: 21%HIV/AIDS & Women in the US

There are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. & almost 280,000 are women

In 2006, there were 15,000 new HIV infections and 9,801 AIDS cases diagnosed among women

There were 3,784 deaths among women with AIDS in 2006

Among those who are HIV positive, 35% of women were tested for HIV late in their illness (diagnosed with AIDS within one year of testing positive)

HIV is the 5th leading cause of death in women in the United States, ages 25-44*High-risk heterosexual contact is the source of 80% of these newly diagnosed infections in women

According to a CDC study of more than 19,500 patients with HIV in 10 US cities, women were slightly less likely than men to receive prescriptions for the most effective treatments for HIV infection

Women with AIDS made up an increasing part of the epidemic. In 1992, women accounted for an estimated 14% of adults and adolescents living with AIDS in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. By the end of 2005, this proportion had grown to 23%

From the beginning of the epidemic through 2005, almost 86,000 women have died of AIDS and AIDS-related complications.

The largest number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses during recent years was for women aged 15–39HIV/AIDS & Minority Women HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects minority women in the United States. According to the 2005 census, Black and Latina women represent 24% of all US women combined, but account for 82% of the estimated total of AIDS diagnoses for women in 2005.

HIV is:

*the leading cause of death for black women (including African American women) aged 25–34 years.

*the 3rd leading cause of death for black women aged 35–44 years.

*the 4th leading cause of death for black women aged 45–54 years.

*the 4th leading cause of death for Latina women aged 35–44 years.

The only diseases causing more deaths of women were cancer and heart disease

The rate of AIDS diagnosis for black women was approximately 23 times the rate for white women and 4 times the rate for Latina women

In 2006, teen girls represented 39% of AIDS cases reported among 13–19 year-olds. Black teens represented 69% of cases reported among 13–19 year-olds; Latino teens represented 19%These statistics were pulled from The Center for Disease Control's website and the Kaiser Family Foundation's Fact Sheets (which cited the CDC). Get more information about the effect of the epidemic from these sites.