ACTRESS PLANS SIT-IN in D.C. (MEXICO CITY; August 13, 2008) – “The AIDS epidemic in the United States is 40% larger than previously stated.” When Sheryl Lee Ralph heard that statement from the CDC while attending the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, the original DreamGirls star decided to lead a sit-in on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Saturday, Sept. 27th at 10 a.m. Ralph, who was propelled into AIDS activism after seeing cast members in the original Broadway company of DreamGirls die from the disease, said she wants to call attention to the disparity between what the federal government does for people living with AIDS overseas and what it does at home, despite the disturbing toll the disease is taking in America. New reports show that AIDS is silently having a devastating effect on Black Americans. Blacks account for at least 45 percent of new HIV cases, an infection rate seven times that of whites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Statistics like this drive Ralph to keep talking about HIV/AIDS. “We can not remain silent on this issue. We should be outraged that people are really becoming infected in America in record numbers,” says Ralph. The United States provides extraordinary assistance to 15 countries severely affected by HIV/AIDS through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. If Black America were a separate country, it would be one of the hardest hit nations on Earth, the Black AIDS Institute found in a recent report. Yet Black America does not get PEPFAR-level support. Ralph who has traveled to several southern African countries to present HIV/AIDS workshops and presentations, with the support of PEPFAR is distressed by the lack of similar effort to eradicate AIDS in Black American communities. “I am happy there is PEPFAR but how many times does the CDC have to report that over half of all new HIV infections are occurring among African Americans before we do something about it? HIV/AIDS threatens the very future of Blacks right here in America." Ralph hopes she will be joined in D.C. by anyone who is willing to take a stand or a seat and demand change when it comes to the health of all Americans. “The time is now! If we don’t stand up for ourselves who will? AIDS affects us all!” For more information visit www.testtogether.org. ###
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