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AIDS Walk Caribbean 2006 in Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of CPIC Inc.

AIDS Walk Caribbean 2006: bigger and better
by Dawn Stewart --- Caribbean People International Collective Inc

On June 11 in New York the Caribbean Peoples International Collective, Inc (CPIC) conducted its sixth annual AIDS Walk Caribbean. Staying true to the theme “Refocusing On a Vision for a Better Health Future” and commemorating the first National Caribbean-American Health month, this year AIDS Walk Caribbean was celebrated bigger and better. The Caribbean-American Communities rally around CPIC and its team to bring the much needed awareness of HIV in their communities.

It was a great success. The community was alert, responsive and willing to make changes in their risk behaviors and lifestyle.

Chanting to the words “Protect yourself, Respect yourself” and “I don’t know what you have been told, HIV is out of control,” over 200 men, woman and youths walked from the junction of Flatbush/Nostrand Avenue to Wingate Park with great pride. Entering the park, the sound of Mastamind Productions, reenergized this crowd and instilled the values and passion for this cause. Packed lunches and a handsome supply of cold juices and water were available for all walkers. The Post Walk Celebration “After Walk Family Health Picnic” was a great success. HIV/AIDS testing and dental screening were  available at Wingate Park yesterday and the community took advantage of it. Health care providers, insurance companies and public/private profit and nonprofit organizations were also on hand with crucial information to help reduce the health disparities in this community.

All walkers came together to remind everyone that in 2006, the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to have enormous effect on the lives and many walkers, walk to support loved ones and to raise money for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has evolved from one centered on gay white men to one largely affecting people of color, women and youths. Some participants walked to remember loved ones who have died; or to help friends, family members and persons who are living with HIV/AIDS celebrate their survival and reaffirm their own lives.

Special thanks to Ms. Jasmine Thomas, Mastamind Production, Impact2 Band and NiceNNasty for supporting this worthy cause and lending us their support by volunteering their extraordinary talent in the field of entertainment.

AIDS Walk Caribbean® 2006 was supported by a devoted group of corporations and individuals led by Wellcare, CAMBA, DV Secret of Nature, Latigidem, Inc, McDonalds, Newdawn Consultant, Veggie Castle, De Islands, Lord’s Bakery, Starbucks, Entenmanns, Caribbean Foods Delights and Grace Kennedy (USA) Inc.

CPIC Inc is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious and tax-exempt organization registered under Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3). It has worked tirelessly to assist in health issues amongst Caribbean-Americans. In addition to organizing AIDS Walk Caribbean, it has organized the Caribbean Days on Capitol Hill Conference.

To learn more about CPIC, Inc's mission, visit http://www.cpicincny.org.

Also in this section:
Pet of the Week
Calling all Canadians for Panama's Canada Day celebration
Caribbean AIDS Walk in Brooklyn
Hosanna Temple is a symbol of Panama's growing Evangelical church
Alphonso Wilson