Epsilon Chapter Tackles AIDS Awareness at Annual Women’s Day Program

Charles Coleman, Jr.,

2009 Women’s Day ProgramBy: Charles Coleman, Jr.www.charlescolemanjr.com

New York City’s first chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. the Epsilon Chapter, held its Annual woman’s day program. The theme of this year’s program was, “Honoring AIDS/HIV Activists & Community leaders”. This year’s program was held on, October 30th at 6:30. at NY Perks, 193 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY. At this program Epsilon chapter also presented Ms. Maria Davis AIDS Activist, with the Lottie B. Wilson award for the outstanding female in the community. The event was emceed by Mr. Charles Coleman, Jr. of http://www.charlescolemanjr.com. Council Woman Leticia James received the citizen of the year award. The program was very powerful and the chapter also gave members of various sororities and HIV organizations in attendance an opportunity to share in their experience in the combat of AIDS/HIV, others in attendance a few of which were HIV positive spoke of the hardships of the disease. Due to the illness of the disease, Ms Maria Davis could not attend. Deborah Levine, LCSW Vice President Community Development, of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS gave the keynote address. Ms. Levine spoke of the struggles Ms. Davis has gone through as she strives to promote AIDS awareness.

African-Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic’s beginning, and that disparity has deepened over time. We also account for more AIDS diagnosis and HIV-related deaths than any other racial group in the United States. At a time in our lives where information is key, African Americans with HIV/AIDS seemingly face greater barriers accessing care than our Caucasian counterparts. It is disheartening that African American women account for the majority of new AIDS cases among women. Additionally, in 2003 African American teenagers accounted for 66% of new AIDS cases among teens while only representing 15% of the U.S. teen population. To learn more about Epsilon Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, visit http://www.epsilonchapter.org or http://www.charlescolemanjr.com.

Charles Coleman, Jr., Esq. is a member of Epsilon Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He can be reached at http://www.charlescolemanjr.com