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More than 15,000 young people attended Saturday's fourth annual "Hip Hop for HIV" concert at Houston's Reliant Center. Though the show was free, ticket holders had to go through testing and education for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Clinic sites across the city offered testing to anyone ages 13-40, and Houstonians wanting to see their favorite performers for free responded enthusiastically. "This year we are so excited because we exceeded our goal by far. We are extremely impressed that the kids came out, are comfortable with the brand Hip Hop for HIV, and are willing to be tested," said Marlene McNeese-Ward, bureau chief for the HIV Prevention Program, Bureau of HIV/STD Prevention for Houston Department of Health. The city co-sponsored the concert with 97.9 The Box FM.
Madd Hatta, host of The Box's Madd Hatta Morning Show, said the initiative benefits the community. "What I love about the program is not only do [attendees] get tested, they get educated," he said. "You have to go through the whole process and after you know your status, your access is granted."
"Hip Hop for HIV is letting the world know that the hip-hop community is taking a stand in the fight against HIV and AIDS," said rapper Bun B of UGK. "We offer our time and services and all we ask is that people get tested, become aware, and know their status so that if they are not positive, they can take the steps to remain negative. But if they are positive, then they need to know what steps to take in order to ensure a longer life."
Other performers included Paul Wall, Plies, Lloyd Banks, Dallas Blocker, the Party Boyz, Papareu, Z-Ro, and Just Brittany.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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