Cummings Speaks Out on Black AIDS Day

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February 7, 2008
Press Release

Washington, DC—Today, in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, encouraged people to speak frankly to their friends and family regarding methods of prevention for HIV/AIDS.

 
“For decades, I have been a leader in addressing the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, both here and abroad. Although this disease wreaks havoc on the lives of all human beings, it is particularly devastating with the African American community,” Congressman Cummings said. “As we continue to make progress in understanding and treating this pandemic, we must remain vigilant in our movement to educate our friends and family to dispel the myths surrounding its contraction.”
 
Although Blacks comprise only 13 percent of the population, they account for nearly half of the estimated new HIV/AIDS diagnoses reported in the U.S. annually. The rate of HIV/AIDS diagnoses for Black adults and adolescents is 10 times the rate for whites, and when comparing Black women to white women, that number increases to 23. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American women ages 25-34 and the second leading cause of death for African American men ages 35-44.
 
“This epidemic is silently killing our friends and family, and it is essential that we begin discussing this topic—regardless of how difficult it may be,” Congressman Cummings said. “Although many of these discussions may prove to be awkward and uncomfortable, they may also prove to be life-saving.”
 
The number one source for the contraction of HIV/AIDS among African American men and women is sexual intercourse. Congressman Cummings believes that in addition to stressing to young people the importance of waiting until marriage to engage in sexual activity, we must also ensure that they understand the importance of using protection if they do choose to have sex.
 
“It is critical that every single sexually active person use protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and we must all speak frankly to our partners about safe sex,” Congressman Cummings said. “We cannot afford to continue living—and dying—in silence.”
 
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