The Black AIDS Institute Presents the 8th Annual Heroes In The Struggle Gala

A bi-coastal celebration Honoring Leading Black Women in the Fight against HIV/AIDS December 1st in New York City and February 4th in Los Angeles

The Black AIDS Institute, a leading organization dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS in Black communities is hosting its 8th Annual Heroes in the Struggle Gala Reception and Awards Presentation. In recognition of the recent opening of the Institute’s New York offices, this year’s event will be bi-coastal and open with a special performance by award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. In line with this year’s theme, Black Men Honoring Black Women in the Struggle, each of this year’s honorees are pioneering women who have demonstrated incredible commitments to ending the AIDS pandemic in Black communities.

The first of the two celebrations will be held on December 1st, World AIDS Day, in New York City at The Allen Room, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Hosted by AJ Calloway, EXTRA TV’s Entertainment Correspondent, the New York event will honor the work of Dr. Marjorie Hill (CEO of Gay Men’s Health Crisis Center), Bev Smith (Host of the Bev Smith Show), the Honorable Barbara Lee (U.S. House of Representatives), Sonya Lockett (Vice President of Public Affairs, BET Networks), Andrea Williams (AIDS Activist) and will include a special posthumous tribute to New York City Councilman and AIDS Activist, Philip Reed. In addition to honoring nine extraordinary women, the Black AIDS Institute will also honor the M.A.C AIDS FUND as this year’s Corporate Hero with a special presentation by Vogue Editor at Large, Andre Leon Talley.

The annual event unveils the year’s inductees into the Heroes in the Struggle traveling photo exhibit that honors Black people who have made outstanding contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and raises desperately needed funds to fight HIV/AIDS in Black communities.

Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study confirming our worst fears: the American epidemic is at least 40% worse than previously believed. This sad news serves only to dramatically underscore the point the Black AIDS Institute has been making for years.

WHEN: World AIDS DAY, Monday, December 1, 20086:30pm--VIP Reception, Special Performance by Oscar-nominated choir Impact7:30pm – Awards Presentation, Special Performances

WHERE: The Allen Room, Fredrick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, New York City

WHO: Actor Danny Glover, BET Network’s CEO Debra Lee, Power 105FM radio personality Ed Lover, Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart, Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, Actress Gloria Reuben, Actor Hill Harper, Actress Vanessa Williams, New York Knicks forward Malik Rose, BET correspondent Jeff Johnson, Brenda Braxton from Broadway revival Chicago, President and Urban League CEO Marc Morial, and Actor NaShawn Kearse. Special performances by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Platinum selling R&B artist Case, the Oscar-nominated Impact Repertory Theater and Evidence Dance Company.

Los Angeles Event: In commemoration of National Black AIDS Awareness Month, the Los Angeles event will be held on February 4, 2009, 6 to 9 pm, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Actor/activist Hill Harper will lead the celebration to honor the following Heroes: Sandra J. Evers-Manly (President of the Northrop Grumman Foundation), Dr. Kimberly Yvette Smith (HIV/AIDS Researcher, Rush University Medical Center), Cookie Johnson (Philanthropist) and Gloria Ruben (Award-Winning Actress, ER, Raising the Bar).

For more information about Heroes in the Struggle or the Black AIDS Institute, log onto http://www.blackaids.org/

For event and ticket information, contact Michelle Huff, HUFF Events & PR, http://us.mc6.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=michelle@huffent.com , 212.239.1732.