We Rock...Our Red Pumps

Photography: C. Holliday, MUA: Gregory Lawrence, Styling: Kyle Murray

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) is today, March 10th. Today I am using my voice (and "Rock My Red Pumps")  to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls? 

Why I Rock!

Photography: C. Holliday, MUA: Gregory Lawrence, Styling: Kyle Murray

Each year, I am challenged to find more reasons why I proudly rock the red pump, and, honestly my answer never really changes.  I rock my red pumps because I care deeply about my health and the health of other women and girls who look just like me.  Women, black and brown women in particular, are being systematically decimated because of ignorance, the lack of awareness and education about HIV/AIDS and how it affects our community is literally killing us.   Whenever, I rock my red pumps, it reminds me that I am personally responsible for doing my part to make other people stand up and take notice of what this disease is doing.  Until there is a cure, that’s my job.  I’m proud to be a Red Pump Rocker.  Not only is Awareness Always in Style, but it looks damn good too!  I’m ready to make a difference, how about you? 

To learn more about what we do, visit www.RedPump.org! 

"Creativity is a Drug I can't live without"

#RockTheRedPump for #NWGHAAD

I know, I know...absolutely shameful regarding the length of time it has taken me to update this blog.  Ridiculous all the way 'round.  Stop shaking your head at me, I know...

Nevertheless, I figured if I was going to post something, it may as well be about something that could possibly save someone's life.  I'm sure you all get tired of me shouting to the rooftops about The Red Pump Project, but I can't help it. 

This is a fantastic movement, a nonprofit that is concerned with continually being out in the community, volunteering, educating, promoting, and raising awareness.  We, meaning women who look just like me, are being infected at an alarming rate for a number of reasons tied to lack of proper care, education and other socioeconomic reasons.  This disease is completely preventable, yet some do not have the tools to make sound decisions about their sexual health.  I'm educated.  I know the facts.  It's my responsibility to share that knowledge.  I implore you, my readers, to do the same.  Let's make a difference.  It's not always about how much money you raise for a cause (although that helps a great deal) it can be as simple as sending an email, changing your FB status for a day, RT'ing something on twitter, blogging on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day---something, anything to spread the world and make people aware.  Education is key...knowledge is, and has always been, power.  Know the facts.  Know your status.  Get Tested.  And tell someone to do the same.

Check out my other post commemorating NWGHAAD on dating-diva.com.

Comments are welcomed...


"Creativity is a Drug I can't live without"

ROCK THE RED! National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Today, March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Today is all about awareness and prevention of HIV infection. According to the CDC here are some undeniable facts:


• Women of color (especially African American women) are the hardest hit.

• Younger women are more likely than older women to get HIV.

• AIDS is a common killer, second only to cancer and heart disease for women.



And for those who live here in Charlotte—specifically in Mecklenburg County:

• On average, 7 new cases of HIV were reported per week

• African Americans are disproportionately impacted by HIV. African Americans comprise 68% of all new reported HIV cases in 2007, despite representing only 28% of the county's total population

• From 1999 to 2007 HIV cases increased by 57%

• Mecklenburg County has the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in North Carolina (www.carolinarain.org)

So here’s what I have to say, straight no chaser, as women we have allowed ourselves to do some really stupid things. We have continually put ourselves at risk in the name of love, low self-esteem, feelings of invincibility, religious beliefs and the list goes on. We have to stop. We have to care about our own sexual health…we have to care about ourselves so that we can continue to be the world’s caregivers and helpmates. At one time or another, myself included, and whether you admit it or not, each one of us has had unprotected sex or otherwise put ourselves at risk for infection. It’s obvious that even though we may know the facts about HIV/AIDS, we are not embracing those facts; we are not living with the reality that it could happen to us. That must change today!

So, it’s so simple. Ask questions of your partner…get the facts—all the facts. And either abstain or wrap it up. The alternative isn’t pretty; you can’t give back an HIV infection that, my friends, stays with you for life!


Today, I’m Rocking the RED for Women and Girls all over the United States and the world. Will you rock with me? www.theredpumpproject.org Want to learn more about today? Click here.

Join Red Pump Charlotte as we celebrate the day this evening at Vertical Tease Fitness:

In commemoration of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, join Red Pump Charlotte as we Paint the Night RED. This fundraiser event will take place at Vertical Tease (Tease Fitness Boutique). Come out and learn more about The Red Pump Project and how you can become a Red Pump Rocker.

BUT WAIT...this event isn't your average informational meeting. The night will be filled with food, laughter, education, fun and a special tease pole party. Vertical Tease will teach basic pole techniques, a sexy chair routine and give you a great workout all at the same time.

Red Pump Project – Charlotte hopes to advance HIV awareness and obtain new Red Pump Rockers to help achieve our 2011 goals. We have the power to change our world; let's join together and do it. Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to join Vertical Tease at a discounted rate of $45.00 for one month of unlimited classes. JSW Media Group is a media/promotional sponsor of this event.

Event Information

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Doors open 6:30 PM

7:00 - 9:00 PM

Vertical Fitness

2125 South End Drive, Suite 251

Charlotte, NC 28203

Enter the double doors and use the call box to dial Suite 251 to be buzzed in!

$20.00 (Proceeds benefit The Red Pump Project)

Rock your Red Pumps and Comfortable Attire

For more information, email Brittani Menina, Red Pump Charlotte Ambassador, The Red Pump Project at redpumpcharlotte@theredpumpproject.com.


"Creativity is a Drug I can't live without"

Learn Something New: Paint The Night RED on March 10th

In commemoration of  National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, join Red Pump Charlotte as we Paint the Night RED. This fundraiser event will take place at Vertical Tease (Tease Fitness Boutique). Come out and learn more about The Red Pump Project and how you can become a Red Pump Rocker.

BUT WAIT...this event isn't your average informational meeting. The night will be filled with food, laughter, education, fun and a special tease pole party. Vertical Tease will teach basic pole techniques,  a sexy chair routine and give you a great workout all at the same time.  

Red Pump Project – Charlotte hopes to advance HIV awareness and obtain new Red Pump Rockers to help achieve our 2011 goals. We have the power to change our world; let's join together and do it.   Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to join Vertical Tease at a discounted rate of $45.00 for one month of  unlimited classes. JSW Media Group is a media/promotional sponsor of this event.

Event Information 

Thursday, March 10, 2011 | Doors open 6:30 PM | 7:00 - 9:00 PM

 Vertical Fitness | 2125 South End Drive, Suite 251 | Charlotte, NC 28203 

Enter the double doors and use the call box to dial Suite 251 to be buzzed in!

$20.00 (Proceeds benefit The Red Pump Project) 

Rock your Red Pumps and Comfortable Attire

  

For more information, email Brittani Menina, Red Pump Charlotte Ambassador, The Red Pump Project at redpumpcharlotte@theredpumpproject.com.

  About Vertical Tease

 

Vertical Tease (Formerly Tease Fitness Boutique) is conveniently tucked within the community of The Village of Southend. Tease Fitness Boutique is a non-gym fitness center, servicing women who want to break the monotony of their current fitness program.

Vertical Tease is the perfect option for women at any fitness level who don’t want to go to the gym, are bored with their workouts,or for the woman who is just easing back in to working out.Women have the opportunity to participate in group fitness classes without having to sign a contract, obtain costly memberships, fees or dues.  

About The Red Pump Project 

The Red Pump Project™ raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Our mission is to promote HIV prevention through education, and open dialogue about the issues that surround sexual and reproductive health.


Founded in March 2009 by Luvvie Ajayi and Karyn Watkins, Red Pump believes that if HIV affects one, it affects us all. We use the red shoe as a symbol of empowerment to represent the strength and courage of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The incorporation of fashion into the message of HIV prevention is our contribution as we hope to show that Awareness is Always in Style!™


Red Pump along with The Red Tie Project™ (which focuses on men), embody The Red Project Collective™, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on minority communities (women, people of color, LGBT). The Collective is doing work online and on the ground to motivate action and encourage dialogue about the effects of the disease.

"Creativity is a Drug I can't live without"