February is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

The Los Angeles based organization, In The Meantime Men’s Group, Inc., offers the “Brothers Reaching Brothers Discussion Group” each week for the local community to discuss a variety of topics important to Black men. These topics include intimacy, relationships, race relations, homophobia, and community economics.

Among their activities are ongoing support groups and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention workshops. Tonight, In The Meantime invited friends and family members to join the discussion entitled "Can Our Sisters Really Say No to Unprotected Sex?". This intimate dialogue involved the voices of Black women around the issues of love and trust for their men and the rise in the rate of HIV among Black women. I was thrilled to be there to share my point of view and hear the perspectives of other Black women – young, old, married, single, lesbian and straight.

Since February is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, every weekly discussion group topic at In The Meantime for the month is devoted to providing an open community HIV/AIDS dialogue. How cool is that!? I was impressed by not only the candor with which every speaker shared their very personal stories of love, heartache, wellness and strength, I was amazed at the feeling of L-O-V-E that was in the room. Every person who entered the room came in so open to learning about one another and open to receiving knowledge. There were no egos or attitudes. There were no cliques or groups of “those people”. It was a room full of family. Just a room full of people on a rainy Tuesday night in Los Angeles speaking honestly and openly. It was refreshing and inspiring. (This must be what therapy is like!).

Participating in this event is an experience that I am so grateful to have shared with new friends (Jeffrey and Kathi) and a few old friends (including Los Angeles City Councilwoman, Jan Perry). Thank you Oge for inviting me! See the picture above of my oldies but goodies buddies!

submitted by Karli Tanner, CMP

Professional Event Planner in Los Angeles with Simply Mumtaz Events