Join members of the community for a Reading of Names in recognition of World AIDS Day 2019. The event is set to take place on Sunday December 1st, from 4pm-8-pm, at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd.
The reading of the names is a way to remember the brothers and sisters that were lost to AIDS. Community members will honor them by holding a vigil. People are encouraged to bring candles and pictures of loved ones and bring flowers that they can leave at the event if they wish. It’s a solemn time for community to come together as people take turns reading the names out loud. A bell will ring every 15 seconds.
“The reading of the names is a way to remember all of those we lost,” said Jimmy Palmieri, who is one of the organizers. “I have always thought this was so important because many were forgotten by their families. Many of them lost their whole tribe. So we, as the people who are still here, can let people know that they were here. Their lives mattered. They existed. It is important to me to respect them on World AIDS day. Their lives were sacrificed. I feel we can sacrifice a few hours of one day of the year.”
“I have seen people find out they have HIV take horrible meds, die,” He added. “I’ve seen them take new meds that worked in controlling the virus and now PEP and PreP… I want to be alive when there is an absolute cure and vaccine. We have come so far. I have high hopes.”
There will be water and snacks at the event. Those who would like to read names or have a name of someone they’ve lost to AIDS added to the list, contact Jimmy Palmieri or Robert Gamboa by clicking here.
Alliance For Housing and Healing are also holding a candlelight march for World AIDS Day 2019, on Monday, December 2nd in conjunction with the Paul Stark Warrior Awards. To join the march and awards click here.
World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 United Nations World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention and is held each year on December 1. Every year, United Nations agencies, governments, nonprofit organizations, and civil society join together to campaign around specific themes related to AIDS. The day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have passed away due to HIV/AIDS. The international theme of this year’s #WorldAIDSDay is “Communities Make the Difference.”
