One of the cornerstones of this initiative is working with Black communities where they are, from an HIV/AIDS education perspective. There are those who know the four fluids by which HIV is transmitted (i.e. blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk) and then there are those who do not. There are many who understand the vast amount of work that has been done to protect the nation's blood supply and almost eliminate HIV in blood transfusions.

However, there are many who still believe hugging an individual will infect them, or sharing an eating utensil, drinking from the same cup or water fountain puts them at risk for HIV. This is where some of our greatest work resides. There are still individuals in the Beloved Community who need to hear the basic HIV/AIDS 101 messages and know the behaviors that put them at risk for contracting HIV.

HIV/AIDS is almost 29 years old in the United States. Youth and young adults have always lived in a time where HIV existed. But, HIV information fatigue has set in, whereby many don't know the risks or are exhausted with using protection during sexual intercourse. There are many seniors and older individuals who grew up without using condoms and have become sexually active again, not knowing the many risks that have evolved. Then, there are those who struggle with making the transition from not using condoms to using them each and every time they have sex until they definitely know their sexual partner's behaviors.

Education is an exchange of information, we have to take what we know and disseminate it to those who do not know in creative ways. With this, we hope to spark Black people to think differently about their sexual behaviors and how many partners they engage with. We have a responsibility to educate those who do not know or understand the many risks associated with HIV infection or re-infection.

We can't forget those who use drugs intravenously. We have a responsibility to share with them the importance of reducing or eliminating sharing of needles and how to clean their works. In an ideal world, people would stop using injectable drugs and get help for their substance abuse. But this is not a perfect world. So in order to decrease the risk of HIV, we must reduce the risk involved with injecting drugs. Disinfecting syringes reduces the risk of HIV by killing any HIV that may have contaminated the syringe. But how does disinfecting work? Go here for more information.

The elimination or reduction of stigma will also assist in stemming the tide of HIV. We have to do sex education 101 in our homes, communities, faith based institutions, and wherever we know that people are putting themselves at risk sexually. Black America cannot put its head in the sand and pretend as if people are waiting to have sex or only have one sexual partner - the numbers tell us a different story.

To begin, get the facts and know the data and statistics in your community. Once you have the information, find a platform to share what you know in a friendly and affirming way. Nobody wants to be beaten over the head with information. Remember, we have multiple crises in Black America and HIV is in the top ten. So, don't be upset if the audience is not receptive initially - keep going back.

We can't save the Beloved Community until we serve them. We can't lead the Beloved Community until we love them. Black People need to know we love them and that we have their greatest interest at heart. We have to restore hope in Black America and let National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2010 be the portal for restoration to begin.