by Janee Bolden
March 24, 2025
Greater than only a dinner— the night was an immersive expertise
On March 14, a various group of 30 or so Black ladies convened for an intimate and highly effective gathering at Ventanas in Atlanta. The occasion was the newest within the Dangerous: A Dinner Dialog collection, an initiative designed to foster open, unfiltered discussions round HIV consciousness, testing, and prevention.
Wearing daring crimson as a logo of HIV/AIDS consciousness, attendees had been invited to interact in candid dialogue concerning the realities of the present public well being epidemic and the significance of taking management of their sexual well being.
Upon arrival, friends signed a media waiver acknowledging the occasion’s visibility, a vital step given the sensitivity surrounding HIV-related conversations.
Greater than only a dinner — the night was an immersive expertise. Along with the crimson gown code, your entire occasion house (produced by BLK Room Venture) was reworked with crimson draped pillars and a tablescape that included intricate centerpieces. The staggering statistics surrounding new HIV diagnoses had been spelled out in signage all through the room.
Earlier than heading into the primary occasion, attendees participated in an interactive activation: every girl was given a pin to pop a balloon, simulating the method of getting examined for HIV. The 400 balloons represented the staggering actuality of Black ladies disproportionately impacted by the virus.
“Every balloon represents a lady with an HIV prognosis to attribute to this truth: Black ladies proceed to be disproportionately impacted by HIV, accounting for 54% of latest HIV infections in U.S. ladies, regardless of making up solely 14% of the feminine inhabitants,” defined Dangerous co-founder Koiya McElroy.
The statistics are sobering. Black ladies make up over 50% of latest HIV instances amongst ladies in america, and in Atlanta alone, they account for almost 60% of latest diagnoses. Georgia ranks second within the nation for brand spanking new HIV instances, and Atlanta ranks third amongst U.S. cities. These numbers spotlight why initiatives like Dangerous are important.
McElroy, who began Dangerous in Orlando, shared what motivated her to launch the initiative.
“I bear in mind the Florida Division of Well being approaching me about an HIV consciousness marketing campaign after I was on the radio. It was profitable, they usually wished to do one other one involving a billboard. I used to be excited, however they instructed me they had been struggling to seek out media personalities prepared to place their face on a billboard related to HIV & AIDS. That was wild to me as a result of we’re the demographic most affected by this, but folks had been afraid to speak about it. If I name myself an influencer, how might I not use my platform for one thing this necessary? That was my motivation. Dangerous began with three Black ladies in Orlando who noticed the necessity to carry this to different cities. We’ve since expanded to Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, and we’re taking it to 2 extra cities this yr.”
The dinner was hosted by Weezy, the dynamic voice behind the Selections, Selections podcast. She spoke overtly about her personal evolution in understanding HIV and the significance of normal testing. All through the evening, friends shared their private experiences, fears, and questions in a judgment-free house, reinforcing Dangerous’s mission to make these conversations much less taboo.
Whereas Gilead Sciences sponsored the occasion, a lot of the dialogue centered centered on consciousness somewhat than remedy; nevertheless, when discuss turned to prevention, not less than one attendee was in a position to share her expertise with PrEP (Pre-Publicity Prophylaxis), a drugs that considerably reduces the danger of HIV transmission when taken as prescribed.
“For years, PrEP was not extensively marketed towards Black ladies,” McElroy instructed BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Most commercials featured white males, white ladies, or same-sex male {couples}, usually excluding Black ladies from the dialog. In consequence, many Black ladies had been unaware that PrEP was an possibility obtainable to them for HIV prevention. Dangerous goals to extend consciousness surrounding PrEP to make sure black ladies have entry to correct details about this life-saving treatment.”
There have been additionally Gilead representatives and a licensed nurse in attendance, who had been in a position to make clear or dismiss misconceptions about HIV – like the notion that the illness might be dormant in your bloodstream for years or the mythology that rich people like Magic Johnson have entry to totally different remedies than different folks dwelling with HIV. Visitors had been assured that sufferers who search remedy can cease the virus from replicating, rendering the illness undetectable and lowering the chances of passing it on. It’s additionally necessary to notice that testing know-how has improved over time, making it simpler for the virus to be detected earlier. All of these elements assist underscore why it’s so crucial that everybody is aware of their standing.
Between the heartfelt discussions, DJ Suga Shae stored the vitality excessive with a rigorously curated soundtrack whereas friends loved a sublime three-course dinner paired with scrumptious mocktails. Earlier than the evening wrapped up, attendees gathered for group and solo photographs, capturing a second of solidarity and empowerment.
Dangerous: A Dinner Dialog continues to redefine how Black ladies interact with HIV consciousness, proving that training, empowerment, and sisterhood go hand in hand. With plans to broaden its attain even additional, this initiative is about to have an excellent larger affect in breaking down stigmas and saving lives — one dialog at a time.
RELATED CONTENT: Let’s Discuss About Intercourse: Dr. Maisha Standifer And Masonia Traylor Tackle The Essential Want For A Change In Narrative Round HIV And Black Ladies
