By: Jamil Crews

To commemorate World AIDS Day, EXUDECares put together a public service announcement asking people if they were tested for HIV and AIDS. Drawing inspiration from Nike’s “RISE” commercial featuring Lebron James, we developed a short piece to encourage folks to get tested for HIV and AIDS, while at the same time educating people on the alarming statistics. We gathered some of Western New York’s key influential figures to get the word out about the importance of getting tested for this disease.

Even though HIV and AIDS affects people of all different races and ethnicities, the disease continues to disproportionately affect African Americans more than any other racial group. Of the 31,595 new HIV cases among all men in the United States in 2008, African American men made up almost 50% of those infections, almost 20% higher than Caucasian males infected during that year. The numbers only get worse for African American women. Of the 10,000-plus cases in 2008, black women made up an astonishing 70% of the cases, while Caucasian and Hispanic women represented about 20% of the infections combined. Even though there is still no direct cure for this virus, there have been some breakthroughs with treating HIV and AIDS, which allow people to live longer, more productive lives. Going into 2011, there should be no excuse why someone would not know their status. It is imperative for everyone to know their status and get tested. To find a location near you to be tested, please visit http://www.hivtest.org/. KNOW YOUR STATUS BY GETTING TESTED!!!

Thank you to the following for making this happen:

Selina Kaye and 93.7 WBLK Radio – Buffalo New Work

Clem Kwayke and Channel 7 Studios – Buffalo New York

David Alton of Photo Teez – 207 Niagara Street | Buffalo, New York 14201 | 716.464.3969

And our “GOT TESTED” spokespeople Paul Spitale aka DJ Rock of Blackrock Sound Solutions; up and coming producer Nick Jerge; rising fashion stylist Tim Baldon; Malcolm Hicks and Steven Bales of Bales Clothing; youth pastor Sharif Ali of True Bethel Baptist Church, fashion model Ericka Miner and 93.7 WBLK personality Adri. V.

Got Testd? Campaign Video:

EXUDE Magazine World AIDS Day PSA from EXUDE Magazine on Vimeo.