AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS care provider and currently operating in 45 countries, is once again holding a special free concert event to commemorate World AIDS Day, formally observed internationally each year on December 1st. This year also marks two significant milestones in the decades-long fight against HIV and AIDS: first, for the first recognition by the CDC of the virus that led to what is now known as AIDS (40 years ago, in June 1981), and second, the launch of AHF (35 years ago, June 1986).
In Los Angeles, AHF will host its 2021 World AIDS Day Concert on Wednesday, December 1st featuring renowned artists, OSCARⓇ and multi-GRAMMYⓇ winner Jennifer Hudson and multi-GRAMMYⓇ winner Christina Aguilera performing live, and multi-EMMYⓇ nominated comedian and internet sensation Randy Rainbow hosting the evening. Taking place at The Forum, located at 3900 W Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood (90305), the concert will be produced with longtime AHF partner, multi-EMMYⓇ and TONYⓇ winner Debbie Allen, and also feature a performance by young students from her Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA).
At the event, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT) will be honored with AHF’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be accepted via special video presentation. Under its “Keep the Promise!” banner, AHF will also acknowledge progress made in the global fight against HIV and AIDS and continue to raise awareness about “The Other Pandemic” as a reminder of the significant work still to be done on HIV/AIDS.
“The effects of the AIDS epidemic are very personal for me, as I had many friends and loved ones who passed away from this deadly virus. World AIDS Day allows me to celebrate those lives lost and commemorate their various contributions not only to our personal relationships but also to film, television, dance, and more,” said Debbie Allen. “Having a longstanding partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a prime example of how community should support and uplift one another. It is crucial for us to understand that this fight is far from over. Forty years ago, AIDS was first recognized by the CDC, and 40 years later we have lost millions of lives. I’m committed to continue to do my part in bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS, and I encourage you to do the same.”
As the world continues to navigate the deadly global COVID-19 pandemic, AHF is taking a moment to note that this year also marks forty years since the first cases of AIDS—‘the other pandemic’—were first reported. To date, 33 million have died of AIDS and more than 38 million people worldwide today are thought to be living with HIV, according to the CDC.
“World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for us to mourn and mark this somber forty-year milestone,” said Michael Weinstein, president of AHF. “However, 2021 also marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of what has become today’s AHF. From providing compassionate AIDS hospice care in those darkest early days to growing to become the largest global AIDS organization today, now providing lifesaving care and treatment to more than 1.6 million people around the globe. As we mark and mourn, we also celebrate all those who help make today’s AHF possible: our staff, Board, affiliate organizations and affinity groups, friends, family and wonderful community partners like Debbie Allen, but most of all, our clients and patients—with our 2021 World AIDS Day event. We are excited to present what we expect to be knockout performances by Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, students from Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy and honoring Senator Bernie Sanders, among others.”
AHF Raises Funds for the Debbie Allen Dance Academy:
AHF’s 2021 World AIDS Day concert will also serve as a benefit for the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). AHF set a goal of raising $250,000 for DADA, and is well on its way, with $85,000 toward that amount already raised with generous donations from Wells Fargo ($25K), City National Bank ($25K), Goldman Sachs ($25K) and the Brotherhood Crusade ($10K). Donations to AHF’s World AIDS Day Debbie Allen Dance Academy fund can be made via the DADA website donation link.
