Raise Your Hand Honorary Spokesperson Named
ASHEVILLE, NC - Glenis Redmond, local poet, educator and activist has been selected as this year’s Honorary Spokesperson for the Raise Your Hand Auction and Dinner.
The Raise Your Auction is an annual benefit for the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP). This event features both live and silent auctions, dinner and entertainment. Many auction items are donated by local and regional artists. One piece of art will be selected as the auction’s “Signature Piece.”
In a statement issue upon accepting this honor, Redmond said, “ I accept this role with a startling sobriety because I know my face represents one of the fastest growing demographics infected by HIV/AIDS, black women… Black youth demonstrate the largest single group of young people affected by HIV.”
According to the CDC, Black Women account for 67 percent of all new AIDS cases among women. White women account for only 15 percent of new AIDS cases among women.
Remond explained how a lack of hope and empowerment can lead to problems saying, “If we believe we have no future, we act and live as if there are no consequences.”
Redmond went on to explain the importance of educating and being educated when it comes to the health of the community.
“We must not avert our eyes. We must not shake our heads in denial or trust our lovers blindly. Our bodies matter. We matter. No matter our color, religion, sexual preference or gender we must rise, raise the awareness level so those living with the disease are afforded the treatment, dignity and love they deserve and we must keep on working until everyone understands that this disease is preventable and need not be transmitted. We must educate, inform and empower. “
Redmond also pointed out the power of individuals in creating change, “As a poet I encourage all to raise their voice for a healthier and more compassionate way of being in this world. As we rise the whole world rises with us. As a city, county, state and world we can do better as we open our eyes and extend our hands in service as we offer hope. We are our greatest resource.”
The 2008 Raise Your Hand Auction will be held on November 15th to benefit the Western North Carolina AIDS Project. This year’s event will again take place in the Grand Ballroom of the historic Grove Park Inn & Spa. Anyone interested in the donation of an art object for this year’s Signature Piece competition should contact Linda Schaefer at Linda.schaefer3000@yahoo.com prior to August 15th.
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