Vienna, Austria – July 20, 2010 – Today’s announcement about a breakthrough in microbicide development is reason to celebrate. While it is too early to declare mission accomplished– we are still years away from actually having an effective microbicide- a few hugs and kisses with a little patting of the back might very well be called for.
While this might be the single most important science story of this 18th International AIDS conference, it is also a story about redemption, tenacity and hope. Two years ago South Africa, with the worst AIDS epidemic on the planet and an AIDS denialist for a president, was the pariah of the AIDS world. But with new leadership, a national HIV prevention and treatment plan, and new a monumental scientific breakthrough, like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, South Africa is a leader in the fight to eradicate HIV from the planet.
The last time this meeting was convened in 2008, microbicide research was basically dead in the water. Salim Abdool, Karim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim, the principal investigators on this current microbicide study worked on seven microbicide trials before coming up with this winning strategy. During this string of failure after failure, I’m sure that there were days when they asked themselves, why are we doing this. “It took us 20 years,” says Quarraisha. “We’ve been through the difficult days when we organized the Durban AIDS conference. That was a very difficult time for all of us,” said Salim. “We were having to deal with trying to grapple with this problem and how we were going to move forward…and at the same time we had essentially an obstructionist toward anything in trying to move forward…especially anything having to do with antiretrovirals. God forbid.” But their dogged determination and willingness to stick with what they believed in and their commitment to help save women’s lives caused them to stay their course.
But most importantly, this is a story about hope. “The women asked us, what can we do to protect ourselves? We had nothing to offer them.” said Quarraisha. “Today although we don’t have a microbicide, the results signal hope for women. That they have something that’s 39 percent more effective than nothing.”
These lessons would serve Black America well. Perhaps this example of a husband and wife team in rural South Africa with nothing but hope and an unwavering commitment to help save women’s lives to will provide us with hope–hope for women who have been disproportionately affected by AIDS and for communities being decimated by the epidemic. For like the former government of South Africa, many of us have been living in denial, as the virus has invaded our community, now causing many of our neighborhoods–from Manhattan, where almost 20 percent of Black men are testing positive, to our nation’s capitol, where in Southeast D.C., where roughly 1 in 20 residents has been diagnosed with HIV–to exhibit AIDS rates as high as many nations on the African Continent. But maybe we, too, can flip the script on our attitudes and beliefs, taking charge and changing the course of America’s AIDS epidemic.
We now have a National AIDS Strategy that places the wellbeing of Black people front and center; we have health-insurance reform that provides care to the least among us; and now we have the building blocks of a microbicide gel that can reduce Black women’s risk of becoming infected.
Contact info:
Phill Wilson, President and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute, is available for interviews and press inquiries. Contact Mondella Jones at Mondellaj@blackAIDS.orgor (323) 681-4297. In Vienna call 0681-2048-3398.www.BlackAIDS.org
I’m attending this year’s World Cup and both the airfare and lodging is absolutely outrageous. I agree with paying a premium to visit South Africa during this time, but I feel like many establishments, and airlines are probably making profits that will get them to the end of the year on just those few weeks during the World Cup. It’s ridiculous. America is in a recession and we are the largest group of ticket holders. Wait, maybe we’re getting what we’ve given, lol. Too bad, I didn’t get any games in Cape Town. I’ll be mostly in Johannesburg. Read the article below… ~ Affrodite
March 29, 2010 (Forimmediaterelease.net) — Cape Town is set to offer the best value for money during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, according to the results of a month-long accommodation pricing survey carried out by Grant Thornton South Africa on March 26, 2010. On the back of much international criticism that South Africa is price-gouging during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a survey was contracted by the Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, to establish a clear picture of prices throughout the country.
The survey polled 2,479 accommodation establishments from all nine provinces with 38 percent of respondents coming from the Western Cape region. Establishments included hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments, lodges, backpackers, camping, and self-catering facilities. The survey results have shown that 65 percent of Johannesburg establishments are charging more than 50 percent higher than their peak season rates, with Durban coming in at 53 percent, hiking their prices to 50 percent and over their high season rates. The survey found that less than 20 percent of Cape Town’s establishments are going this route, proving that a hands-on pricing message campaign by the region’s tourism authorities has resulted in a fair, realistic pricing market for Cape Town.
The Grant Thornton Survey attributed the fair pricing in Cape Town to two occurrences, namely the excess supply of accommodation due to Cape Town’s excellent accommodation capacity and the recent opening of many new hotels adding to the already good levels of supply. This coupled with a significant slowdown in demand has forced operators to tightly control rates in order to achieve acceptable occupancies. The second factor is the efforts of Cape Town Tourism to promote ethical pricing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and the signing of a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ “pricing code-of-conduct.
CAPE TOWN TOURISM WARNS AGAINST OVERPRICING
Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette Du-Toit Helmbold, commented: “Already, as far back as 2006, Cape Town Tourism launched a series of awareness sessions around the World Cup and provided the industry with pricing guidelines for the event in line with peak season rates. I strongly believe that our consistent messaging around responsible pricing and the industry’s commitment have paid off – setting an excellent standard for Cape Town in long-term pricing legacy and sustainability.”
Cape Town Tourism in particular was quick to warn the industry of pitfalls experienced by other international destinations who have previously hosted major events. “Countries that inflated tourism costs during the event, damaged their brand, and it has taken some of them years to rebuild perception,” warned Du Toit-Helmbold.
CAPEINFO.COM AND CAPE TOWN TOURISM CONDUCT PRIVATE SURVEY
International price sensitivity, security fears, and a perception that South Africa was out-pricing itself, led Cape Town Tourism, in partnership with www.capeinfo.com, to conduct their own price point survey as of January 2010. Their findings reflected those of Grant Thornton’s survey – that the larger portion of establishment owners in the Cape are pricing responsibly and bookings are on the increase.
THE CODE OF RESPONSIBLE PRICING FOR CAPE TOWN
Only a few weeks ago, major Cape Town tourism industry role players signed the Code of Responsible Pricing for Cape Town thus committing to, and encouraging establishment owners to, price sensibly and offer value for money. It also serves as a reminder to be mindful of tourism’s role in social responsibility and the sustainable legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
LOCATION AND OCCUPANCY LEVELS
Cape Town Tourism’s most recent member poll around hotel occupancy during the FIFA World Cup period, revealed that five- and four-star hotels in and around the CBD and Green Point areas are doing very well. Most were fully booked on match days with limited availability for the rest of the World Cup, whereas hotels of the same grading further afield, in the northern and southern suburbs, as well as Somerset West, are seeing slower bookings and more availability due to their distance from the games.
Du-Toit Helmbold carries on to say: “My advice to tourism businesses is to remain responsible as far as pricing is concerned and not expect significant immediate or short-term gains. If we can deliver excellent value for money experiences, the long-term benefits of hosting the World Cup will far outweigh the short term and will have positive spin-offs for all of us. Let us work together towards an unforgettable event, welcoming all visitors with open arms to the Mother City, and let us look towards a bright future for tourism in Cape Town. Thank you Cape Town!”
For more information on World Cup accommodation or the Code of Responsible Pricing for Cape Town, please contact Cape Town Tourism on +27 21 487 6800.
Nike, adidas, Reusch and Calle Republic have sponsored a writing contest for the AVID Soccer coach, player, fan and goalkeeper. Stories will be published on AVID Soccer.
March 29, 2010, PALMDALE, CA (via PR.com) — AVID Soccer has partnered with Nike, adidas, Reusch and Calle Republic to honor soccer fanatics. The contest consists of a written story and picture(s). Select entries will be published on AVID Soccer (http://www.avidsoccer.com) or in the AVID Soccer news (http://news.avidsoccer.com). Winners will be selected during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The Contest Categories:
AVID Soccer Coach presented by Nike (http://www.nikesoccer.com)
The award honors a coach’s dedication to his/her players, organization and soccer. The selection committee will choose the story that represents this ideal. The winning selection will receive a pair of Nike’s amazing Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II boots valued at $400.
AVID Soccer Fan presented adidas (http://www.adidas.com/soccer)
The fan award pays tribute to the fanatical supports that keep the clubs and the press going. Tell the story of that pride and dedication. What better way to celebrate than with the $150 Jabulani ball (Zulu for celebrate). It is the official ball for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
AVID Soccer Player presented by Calle Republic (http://www.callerepublic.com)
Players give their heart and soul to the game. Tell the story of a player who left it all on the field. Calle doesn’t just leave it on the field; they take it to the streets. They have put a package together valued around $150.
AVID Soccer Goalkeeper presented by Reusch (http://www.reuschusa.com)
The goalkeeper is the last line of defense and the first point of attach. No team can compete without a force in the net. Tell the story of that keeper and Reusch will give the winner a pair of their Magno Deluxe M1 Ortho-Tec professional gloves retailing for $150.
The Rules:
Entries must be a unique and original story between 200-500 words with at least one picture. Entries must be submitted electronically directly to AVID Soccer (Contest@avidsoccer.com) or added to the AVID Soccer Facebook discussion for the respective category. Entries should describe why someone meets the qualifications (self nominations are encouraged). There is no limit to the number of nominations, but each must be a unique and original story. Entries must be received between March 29, 2010 and May 28, 2010. Winners will be announced the week of June 21st. The contest is open to US Residents over the age of 18. Youth entries must be submitted by a parent or guardian.
All entries become the property of AVID Soccer. Winners will be selected by a committee and all decisions are final. Winners will be contacted by AVID Soccer for size and shipping information. Prizes will be shipped by the manufacturer four to six weeks later.
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About AVID Soccer:
AVID Soccer is a grass roots organization that provides information and training to individual players, groups and teams. AVID Soccer consists of coaches and trainers dedicated to improving the image of soccer; the level of training; and the level of play. (http://www.avidsoccer.com)
The AVID Soccer Equipment Review (ASER), one of the largest independent review sites, provides objective testing services, reviews and information on soccer equipment and related products. The AVID Soccer Equipment review web log was founded in March 2006. (http://blog.avidsoccer.com)
AVID Soccer News presents product announcements, player gossip, team transfers, lifestyle, etc. In short, we present the news and views of the soccer world. Articles are compiled from original content, press releases and reprinted publications. (http://news.avidsoccer.com)
March 3, 2010 — South Africa Project (www.southafricaproject.org), the 2010 FIFA World Cup-centric initiative of Ubuntu Now (ubuntunow.org), has launched a “Wall of Supporters” on its website. As the international spotlight on South Africa continues to increase while the biggest single sports event on earth grows closer, the South Africa Project hopes to use the heightened visibility to raise global awareness of the nation’s deep-seated gender equality issues.
“The Wall is an easy way for anyone to become part of an extended part of a group of people that want to make a difference,” said Klaus Holzapfel, founder and president of Ubuntu Now. “We think that in addition to enjoying the World Cup, fans and non-fans alike should use this time of celebration to make a contribution and show their support for the people of South Africa.”
Prominently displayed on the South Africa Project’s website, the new “Wall of Supporters” is a collective graphic page on which contributors are offered a place on the wall in exchange for a minimum donation of $10. Besides allowing donors a way to publicly display their belief in the cause, each avatar provides a portal to the individual’s online presence. Via use of rollovers, viewers are able to access the supporter’s customizable Ubuntu Now profile, personal website and Facebook and Twitter, along with other social media links.
Every $10 Wall donation to the South Africa Project is utilized. For example, $70 provides a community with a rape prevention education and promotion kit, $400 can put a community mobilizer to work, and $1,000 sponsors a comprehensive community workshop on the subject. More information can be found at One Man Can (genderjustice.org.za/onemancan), a partner of the South Africa Project.
“It would be a travesty to gloss over the country’s issues at this crucial time,” said Holzapfel. “We can’t forget that 25 percent of South African men admit to sexual assault by force and that, according the BBC, a South African woman has a higher chance of being raped than she does of learning how to read and write.”
South Africa has arguably the highest incidence of rape on the globe, with over 50,000 reported cases and expert estimates of the total number of cases around 500,000. In addition, the country has one of the world’s highest rates of HIV infection, with 12.7 percent of South Africans infected, compared with 0.4 percent in the United States. And 1.4 million South African children have been orphaned as a result of the virus’ devastation.
South Africa Project was created by Colorado non-profit organization Ubuntu Now, which is dedicated to preventing rape and domestic violence through the promotion of gender equality among boys and young men. Additionally, the organization offers psychological support to victims of rape and domestic violence, including those who have contracted HIV/AIDS as a result of these crimes.
(Tuesday, November 10, 2009) NBC Nightly News “Celebrities Making a Difference” special week long series. Alicia Keys provides “a voice for the voiceless” to HIV/AIDS patients in Africa and India and shares her story with NBC’s Lester Holt.
In her interview with Lester Holt, R&B singer Alicia Keys visits Agape Orphanage in Durban, South Africa and a health clinic that the organization Keep A Child Alive sponsors. It was after witnessing the impact of HIV and AIDS, firsthand, during a trip to Africa in 2003 that motivated Alicia Keys to action. Together, Leigh Blake and Alicia Keys founded Keep A Child Alive providing free lifesaving medical assistance, resources, and support to families all over Africa and India that cannot afford anti-retroviral medication and related care.
The embed code provided on msnbc.com does not work with my WordPress page so I’m placing the link to the interview for you to watch below. Continue to read my reaction, and I encourage you to comment with yours.
NOTE: If the links do not work, go to the Making a Difference website and you’ll find links to each celebrity about 2/3 down the page under a heading “Celebrities Making A Difference.”
We know the statistics of HIV and AIDS are startling in Africa, but to hear, for example as stated in the video interview, that over 10% of the population has AIDS in South Africa. Further, over half of those suffering from HIV/AIDS do not have the means to obtain life sustaining medication just brings the point home all over again. In the US, while HIV/AIDS is still a crisis and at epidemic levels in different parts of the country, we are largely fortunate to have medication widely available so that people can actually live full lives with HIV now. When you step outside of the Western world, that is not always the case. My heart bled for the orphans in Durban who looked up to Alicia Keys as their own sister with sincere heartfelt gratitude for the contributions from Keep A Child Alive. If you look at the Keep A Child Alive website, you’ll read that it just takes a US dollar a day to make an impact. Think about that as we enter the holiday season. Sometimes, I’ve made charitable contributions in lieu of gifts. I’m definitely adding Keep A Child Alive to my list.
p.s. Didn’t Alicia just sing to our souls at the end with her a capella rendition of “Prelude to a Kiss?” What a beautiful song!
I wrote about Caster Semenya on my Examiner.com women’s column when the news first broke about her testosterone results being significantly higher than what is found in women (see “Caster Semenya: When a vagina is not enough“). I tried to put myself in her shoes. 18 years old, always raised as a female, but probably told very often that she resembles a man which is a blow in itself to her self esteem. She finds something that she can excel at an international level, breaks a world record, and then now clouded with having to undergo sexual identity testing.
I often wonder had she not broken the world record if people would have been as concerned? I also wonder if they do this testosterone testing all the time on athletes because there’s no doubt in my mind that Caster Semenya is alone. Then of course there’s the issue of race which South African leaders have pointed to from the very beginning claiming that they’re going after her because she doesn’t fit the European standard of beauty.
Now the results have been leaked to the press that while she has a vagina, Caster Semenya does not have ovaries or a uterus and has male sex organs that have not descended. All of this unbeknownst to her and probably would be for most of her life until she perhaps decided that she wanted to have children.
What I struggle with now, is what Caster Semenya should do now? Does that mean she has to compete with the men? Does she leave her God given talent alone from a competitive standpoint? If I had soccer skills like Mia Hamm or Abby Wambach and then found out that I didn’t qualify to play on the US Women’s team because I had too much testosterone and had been told I was a hermaphrodite, I’d be absolutely devastated. Talk about an identity crisis! People speak of hermaphrodite’s with a giggle and judgment. I just hope this sparks a conversation amongst all athletic competition, particularly at the national and international level, and perhaps some compassion for an 18 year old young woman having to deal with a startling revelation.
Rhythm citrus liqueur hosted its launch party while also celebrating the premieres of “Trek to the Holy Land” and “Skin” during HBO’s New York International Latino Film Festival (NYLIFF), now in it’s 10th year. The event was held at High Line Ballroom in New York City on Saturday, August 1, 2009.
Described as the premier 70 proof citrus liqueur, Rhythm’s launch party included performances by Ron Browz, Jive Recording artist Lee Carr, Elliot Zimet (The Hip Hop Magician) and other celebrity guests dropping in.
Elliot Zimet (Hip Hop Magician) @Rhythm Launch party 8/1, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Rhythm girls & "Suits" on @Rhythm red carpet 8/1, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
TREK Producer Edward Harris & Exec. Prod. Adrienne Smith, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Damon Dash & Amelia Moore of Host of Daily Dose TV, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Ron Browz, Stacy (Rhythm Brand Exec) & Lee Carr, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Jive Recording artist Lee Carr performing @ Rhythm Launch party 8/1, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Rapper Ron Browz entertaining the Rhythm crowd 8/1, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
About Rhythm
Rhythm is the new citrus liqueur containing caffeine, ginseng, and other energy-enhancing ingredients. Boosted with 23 different citrus flavors, B6 & B12 vitamins, Taurine, Guarana, and more, RHYTHM keeps you in the groove and feeling “hangover” free the next morning. Rhythm, owned by RJS Spirits, comes from a family of beverages and spirits. We are all connected. Rhythm connects us.
In the wake of the tragic attack on the World Trade Center, the Rev. Al Sharpton assembled delegation to travel to Israel and Palestine to meet with leaders on both sides of the turmoil in the Middle East. Filmmaker Edward Harris was among those visiting the region, and his camera vividly documents the group’s meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Israel Shimon Peres and President of the Palestine Authority Yasser Arafat. Candid sessions with the renowned spokesmen on both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict provide viewers with the background and history of the Holy Land and the circumstances that have made them mortal enemies. The group was also follows the path to Golgotha where many believe Jesus Christ was crucified and to see where His body rested in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Harris’s camera captures another perspective of the world’s most beautiful and dispute land in modern times. (source NYLIFF)
A genetic abnormality caused Sandra Laing, born of white parents in South Africa, to look like a black person. This strange twist fuels Anthony Fabian‘s strong drama, based on a true story. Sophie Okonedo is superb in the lead, as are Sam Neill and Alice Krige as her caring but occasionally out-of-touch parents. (source: NYLIFF)
Laing’s Lifestory Subject of New Film “Skin” starring Sophie Okonedo
(Wed. February 11, 2009) Sandra Laing (middle), black woman born to white parents and subject of the new film "SKIN" attends special screening at the 17th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles. Laing is pictured with PAFF founder Ayuko Babu (left) and actress Alfre Woodard (right). Photo credit: Shon Smith for D'Angelo's Photos.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Sandra Laing attended a special screening at the 17th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival of the critically acclaimed new film about her life “SKIN,” starring Sophie Okonedo. Among those in attendance were actress Alfre Woodard. The screening took place Wednesday, February 12, 2009 at the Culver Plaza Theatre as part of the 2009 Pan African Film & Arts Festival held annually in Los Angeles.
Based on true events, “SKIN” tells the story of a genetic abnormality that caused a woman born of white parents in apartheid South Africa, to look like a black person. Tormented and unaccepted by white society though classified as white, she falls in love with a Black man and moves to a township, alienating her parents. The film stars Sophie Okonedo, and is directed by Anthony Fabian.
The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is the largest and most prestigious flagship black film and arts festival in the country. The festival consists of more than 150 new movies by filmmakers and 100 fine artists from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the South Pacific, Europe and Canada, showcasing the diversity and complexity of people from African descent. www.PAFF.org
(Wed. February 11, 2009) "SKIN" director Anthony Fabian and actress Alfre Woodard at a special screening at the 17th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles. "SKIN" tells the story of a black woman born to white parents in South Africa during the 1950s. Photo credit: Shon Smith for D'Angelo's Photos.
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