Even though the issue is no longer daily front page news, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still a cause for concern in this country. According to the CDC, it’s estimated that 1.1 million people in the U.S. are HIV positive, and about 16% of those individuals are not even aware they’re infected. A good way to help fight the spread of HIV is by simply knowing your status.
Today (June 27) is National HIV Testing Day. Events are being held all across the country to encourage people to get tested and share information about the disease. Walgreens has partnered with the Greater Than AIDS organization to offer free HIV testing at select nationwide locations.
Multi-talented performer Tray Chaney will be a special guest at a Walgreens testing site in his hometown. The star of HBO’s The Wire and rising Hip Hop artist is scheduled to perform his HIV/AIDS awareness single “Live (World AIDS Day Anthem)” in Forestville, Maryland.
“I want to inspire/motivate individuals to get tested. Know your status!” says Chaney. “Together we can put an end to this HIV/AIDS epidemic if we just think before we act!”
The actor/rapper released a video for “Live” in 2013. The visuals, directed by Lamar Tyler, feature the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. The ceremonial art piece was created to memorialize and celebrate the lives of people who have succumbed to AIDS.
“I wanted to capture the moment of shooting the ‘Live (World AIDS Day Anthem)’ Hip Hop video at the AIDS Memorial Quilt headquarters in Atlanta. I drove from DC to ATL, because I wanted to reflect on how ‘Live (World Aids Anthem)’ could touch the world!” Chaney explains. “Magic Johnson’s name is used in the song as an encouragement to just show how we kept on pushing and didn’t let this virus take him down. That’s encouragement to the people around the world.”
Tray Chaney will be on hand at the National HIV Testing Day event in Forestville, Maryland today from 3 pm – 7 pm, and on Saturday, June 28th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
For info about the Walgreens/Greater Than AIDS free testing initiative click it
For info about Tray Chaney click it
To download Tray Chaney’s “Live (World AIDS Day Anthem)” click it
To connect with Tray follow him on Twitter @traychaney
Check out the video for Tray Chaney’s “Live”:
DZI: The Voice 