ESSENCE

From the Office of Susan L. Taylor

Dear Friends,

AIDS is the leading cause of death for Black women between the ages of 24 and 44-not drugs, not cancer, not violence: AIDS!

As pointed out by Gwen Ifill during the recent vice presidential debate, Black women in America are at much higher risk for HIV/AIDS than women of other racial ethnic backgrounds. African American women are 23 times more likely to have HIV/AIDS and 13 times more likely to die from the disease than other American women.

In learning that Black women account for 72% of all new HIV/AIDS among women, we realized we must take action. Essence is working in partnership with the Black AIDS Institute to raise awareness about the magnitude of the AIDS epidemic among Black women and we need your help. From now until December 31, we are giving 100% of our net proceeds from new and gift subscriptions to fight AIDS in Black communities.

The Black AIDS Institute is the only national HIV/AIDS public policy, training, and mobilization center in the United States focused exclusively on Black people. The Institute's mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black Communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute develops and interprets public and private sector HIV policies, conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view.

Celebrity spokesperson for this campaign is the multi- talented actress and comedienne, Mo'Nique, from The Parkers, the Queens of Comedy, and the recently released film "Beauty Show". Mo'Nique's commitment to the fight against AIDS is borne out of personal heart ache. She lost her best friend to AIDS. If it can happen to Mo'Nique, it can happen to you.

If you have any questions or if there is any additional information you would like to receive, please contact Jennifer Yarbrough, at (213) 353-3610 or on line at JenniferY@BlackAIDS.org. Peace be with you.

Susan L. Taylor
VP and Editorial Director
ESSENCE Communications

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Your contribution will go towards developing prevention education programs and awareness outreach efforts for Black women.

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Sincerely,

ESSENCE MAGAZINE, MO'NIQUE AND THE BLACK AIDS INSTITUTE

The Black AIDS Institute (BAI), founded in 1999, is the only national public-policy, training and mobilization center in the United States focused exclusively on HIV/AIDS among Black people. Our mission is to stop the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Black communities by mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV/AIDS. The Institute develops and interprets public and private sector HIV policies, conduct trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view.