"The beginning of the end of life is when we remain silent about things that matter.
African Americans make up 14% of the U.S population. The number one cause of death in African Americans in both males and females is HIV/AIDS. Those that are affected by this life taking disease are in the age range of 22 to 45. In a study of young gay men, African American's accounted for 30% of those who are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. .
Our nation's government has spent millions of dollars for care, prevention and treatments for the past 20 years. Many people, not only the black community, but also others are under the impression that AIDS only effects those in the gay community or those who misuse drugs. This misconception ended when children and those outside of the homosexual community became part of the AIDS death toll. .
Many blacks that have the disease die alone and often do not seek care with the fear that their families and neighbors will find out their secret and no longer think of them the same way. The church plays a big role in stereotyping those with the HIV/AIDS virus blaming them for being immoral and sinners. The issue of AIDS and the education of the disease need to be brought out more in all types of communities. .
In order to survive this epidemic, we must shatter the association of AIDS with the gay and drug user stereotype. There are a large number of people who ignore the growth of HIV, and it needs to be destroyed. We must become more educated on the disease and worry less about how individuals been came infected. The church and community leaders would be big helpers in educations all of those who need to know. The biggest issue we need to deal with is not letting those we love who are infected with the disease die in silence and alone. .
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According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, approximately 1.6 million African Americans resided in North Carolina during 1996, of those more Blacks have lower incomes, employment, and educational levels than Whites.
