After Thirty Years, Still Fighting

Recognize World Aids Day by attending one of several events planned in Minneapolis and St. Paul

First held in 1988, World AIDS Day 2011 will be celebrated beginning this Thursday with a number of events in the Twin Cities.

Image credit: Image courtesy World Aids Day

By: Lauren Peck

Over the past three decades, more than 50 million people have been infected with AIDS/HIV, and 25 million people have died from the disease. Minnesota has not been immune from the epidemic.

While the number of cases in Minnesota is comparatively low, nearly 10,000 Minnesotans have been diagnosed with HIV since the state's first reported case in 1982. As of 2010, around 3,300 Minnesotans have died from the disease.

While the figures are sobering, there are reasons to be hopeful, too. Organizations around the world and right here in Minnesota are working to change these statistics by commemorating those who have died and fighting for prevention and tolerance. Their work is brought into focus on World AIDS Day, celebrated every Dec. 1.

First held in 1988, World AIDS Day 2011 will be celebrated beginning this Thursday with a number of events in the Twin Cities. Here are a few to consider.

+ Intermedia Arts will host a World AIDS Day/30 Years of AIDS Breakfast to commemorate the day and hold a dialogue about HIV/AIDS with its artist-in-residence Robert Farid Karimi. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1. 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 612. 871-4444, intermediaarts.org

+ Capri Theatre will host its Second Annual Sarah Simmons Showcase on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. The event will feature an open mic and performances, including dance, poetry and rap about HIV/AIDs in the local African-American and African communities. The event will also honor the memory of Sarah Simmons, a local AIDS advocate. 2027 West Broadway, Mpls. 612.520.9197, capritheater.org

+ The Minnesota AIDS Project and Clare Housing will screen the documentary "We Were Here," a reflection on the effect and impact of AIDS when it first arrived in San Francisco in the early 1980s, at the Riverview Theater on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. 3800 42^nd Ave. S, Mpls, clarehousing.org

+ To commemorate those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDs, Falcon Heights United Church will hold a candlelight service and prayer on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Participants can share stories of those they have lost, and a reception will follow. 1795 Holton St., Falcon Heights, 651.646.2681, falconheightssucc.org

+ The Minnesota Department of Health will hold a World AIDS Day Exhibit in its first floor lobby through Friday, Dec. 2 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. The department will also provide a calendar of all World AIDS Day events occurring across the state. 625 Robert Street N,
St. Paul, 651.201.4027, health.state.mn.us

+ Visit the Oromo Community of Minnesota to take part in African World AIDS Day on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Local residents from many African nations will join together to recognize the impact AIDS has had on their communities here and in their countries of origin. The event will include youth performances, exhibits and educational presentations. 457 Mackubin St., St. Paul, 651.224.1786, oromocommunitymn.org

+ The Metro Deaf School will host Deaf AIDS Day on Saturday, Dec. 3 from noon-5 p.m., which will include presentations, an AIDS quilts and an awareness booth to recognize those in the community who are living with or have died from HIV/AIDS. 1471 Brewster St., St. Paul, 651.224.3995, tcdeaf.com

+ Several health organizations will offer free or drop-in HIV/AIDS and STD testing, including the Minnesota AIDS Project, St. Paul's Family Tree Clinic and Hennepin County Public Health Clinic.

To learn more about World AIDS Day visit health.state.mn.us or worldaidsday.org.