STOMP OUT HIV!! Youth Summit & Step Show
On Saturday, September 13th, 2008 The Know U 1st Foundation collaborated with the PALMS Faith Based initiative to organize an HIV education & testing event that targeted African American youth. Over 250 youth were joined with celebrities to learn on how to “Stomp Out HIV” at the Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Compton, CA. The youth heard encouraging words from celebrities Gina Ravera, Theresa Randle, singing group O.N.E., Bresha Webb, Angela Moore, Greg Anderson, Michael Yo, Layla Kayleigh and comedian Rodney Perry, who served as master of ceremony for the entertainment portion of the day. Emmy-nominated choreographer Shane Sparks was unable to attend but sent positive and uplifting words via pre-recorded video to the youth about the importance of getting educated and tested for HIV. The (delete: crowd,) moving keynote speech was given by 23 year old, HIV infected Shahdae Holland. The summit focused exclusively on young adults, targeting males and females age 25 and younger.
Opening remarks were given by Councilman Bernard Parks, followed by a panel discussion with young pastors and three young adults infected with HIV. The pastors included Pastor Jawane Hilton from City on the Hill Church, Pastor Otis Nelson from Refiner’s Fire Fellowship, Pastor Dwight Radcliff from Message Center Word Church and Pastor Najuma Smith from St. James AME Church. In addition to Ms. Holland, Christopher Wilson and Bennie McGowan, young adults infected with HIV, gave their personal testimony on living with the virus. The panel addressed HIV-based issues affecting the African American community, including ways to activate church leaders and to encourage HIV education and awareness for teens, adults, as well as for those affected and infected with HIV. Donta Morrison served as the moderator for the panel discussion.
Know U 1st Founder, Donta Morrison, posing with the winners of the "Stomp Out HIV" education and testing event. Gospel Fellowship Christian Center Church located in Twenty-Nine Palms, CA drove three hours to prove that they had the stepping skills to win the $500.00 cash prize. Their step routine was filled with messages about HIV prevention, abstinence and focusing on things other than sex. They gave a dynamic performance that garnered them a standing ovation.
For more information on acquiring the step team, feel free to visit www.gfccc.org
March 6th (12pm - 1pm)
Village of Truth, Inc
"Real Talk with Real Men" Conference
Compton Sheriffs Dept. Youth Activity League
700 N. Alameda, Compton, CA 90221
March 6th (2pm - 3pm)
Grace United Metodist Church
Community HIV Presentation and Panel Discussion
4112 W. Slauson blvd
Los Angeles, CA
March 9th (7:30pm - 9:30pm)
Judah's Lion COGIC
HIV 101 Workshop
10451 S. Hoover st
Los Angeles, CA 90044
March 18th (6:30pm - 8:30pm)
Project YESS
Long Beach City College
1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA 90806
Know U 1st has teamed up with various community agencies to provide awareness and education about HIV. The efforts have been diverse and offered a wide range of information for persons of all interests. It has been our proven experience over the course of the years that testing and education is greatly welcomed by communities of color, and more awareness efforts are strongly encouraged. From local beauty salons in South Los Angeles to major Universities across the nation, we are willing to go wherever there is a need and feel we have made a definite impact in the lives of all we come across.
