![Coversmall_32](https://www.hivplusmag.com/media-library/coversmall-32.jpg?id=32677719&width=1200&height=1608)
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
As our nation's political climate continues to cast clouds over many of the gains that vociferous activists fought for in the 1980s and '90s, the greatly reduced 'in-your-face' activist presence is almost as loud as the silence. In frustration, a coalition of AIDS groups and grassroots activists came together in the spring to form the Campaign to End AIDS. 'AIDS activism is not only dormant'we're largely fragmented,' says C2EA cochairman Charles King, who is also the executive director of New York City's Housing Works. The organization hopes to create a nationally unified voice to lead the next stage of the AIDS fight. It is built around the concept that the United States has the tools to end AIDS yet lacks the political will to use them'which is 'a very moving message that's both honest and inspiring,' says campaign cochairwoman Julie Davids, executive director of the national Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project in New York. C2EA's first major push for recognition will try to emulate the Poor People's Campaign of 1968, which was a project of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. The organizers are hoping for thousands of Americans to travel in 10 'caravans' across the country, all headed for a pivotal weekend in Washington, D.C., October 8'12. Along each of the 10 routes, which together will snake through all of the 48 contiguous states, there will be events and protests to draw attention to the campaign. The New York City caravan will travel almost entirely on foot. Washington activities will include a breakfast in the church where Frederick Douglass's funeral was held, a day in which participants will attempt to visit every national lawmaker with their concerns, and a march on October 12 beginning at the National Mall and culminating with a rally in the Anacostia neighborhood, which is particularly hard-hit by HIV. C2EA evolved partly from AIDSVote.org, a group that set HIV platforms for the 2004 presidential election. It is spearheaded largely by Housing Works and Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization as well as the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the National Association of People With AIDS. King says the campaign's main strength is in its grass roots and its diversity. Smaller local groups such as the Wyoming AIDS Project are also heading up the effort. 'The only way that we're going to get people's attention,' King says, 'is to build a broad-based national movement that elected officials feel they have to respond to.' Thus the campaign is focusing on elevating the voices of rural HIVers'those living in the 'red states' where political power has shifted in recent years. Further, C2EA is bringing together disparate groups'former ACT UPers, who are primarily secular, older white gay males, and devoutly religious young African-American women, for example'in hopes of presenting a more unified voice. To get involved with C2EA and to see if the caravans will travel near you, visit www.endAIDSnow.org or call (877) 363-2437.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM