HIV has shaped conversations in Black communities for more than four decades — not just as a medical condition, but as a source of fear, silence, and stigma. That stigma didn’t appear out of nowhere. It grew out of historical trauma, misinformation, and the ways racism has shaped access to healthcare. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to shift the narrative. It’s a moment to honor our communities’ resilience, share accurate information, and create space

World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1, is more than a symbolic date—it is a reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. In Southern Idaho, recent public health reports show a sharp rise in HIV and AIDS cases, underscoring the importance of awareness, prevention, and compassionate care. Even though the official day has passed, the urgency remains.