November 2005

"The truth of the matter is in 2005 AIDS in America is virtually a
Black disease. The epidemic will not be over unless and until Black people
in America develop the capacity, infrastructure and commitment to make
it so. The time is now to create a comprehensive, coordinated mass
mobilization against the AIDS epidemic in Black America."
Please note: The terms "African American" and "Black" are both used in this Call to Action. The use of the term African American is consistent with its use in the NASTAD monograph, HIV/AIDS: African American Perspectives and Recommendations for State and Local AIDS Directors and Health Departments and its recognition of historical circumstances that have created a legacy of mistrust for many African Americans in this country. Paramount to both documents, however, is an acknowledgement of the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on all people of African descent, as reflected in the use of the term Black.