World AIDS day kicks off with red ribbon rally

UW–Madison kicks off World AIDS Day Monday, Nov. 29, with a ‘Red Ribbon Rally.’

Starting at 4:30 p.m., students and teen community leaders will gather in front of Grainger Hall on University Avenue. The group will tie red ribbons around trees along five blocks of University Avenue to commemorate those who have died of AIDS and celebrate those who are living with HIV/AIDS.

A discussion of HIV/AIDS issues will follow at the Lutheran Campus Center on the corner of University Avenue and Mills Street.

World AIDS Day, marked on Wednesday, Dec. 1, educates communities around the world about HIV/AIDS. This year, the theme is “End the Silence: Listen, Learn & Live” and many educational events are scheduled. Also on Dec. 1:

• At 2:15 p.m., area churches and bell towers will help “End the Silence” by ringing 19 times to commemorate the number of years HIV/AIDS has been an epidemic.
• At 7 p.m., the free “Celebration of Life” starts at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 322 E. Washington Ave., with music, readings and the “Banners of Life.”
• Through the day, area art centers, museums, and businesses will cover their artwork to remember those who contributed to the world of art and died of AIDS.

Other events:

• Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., Hillel sponsors a mock trial in 3250 Law School. The trial features a fictional mother charged with reckless homicide because she transmitted AIDS to her baby through breast milk.
• Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., “Journey of Hope” at Memorial Union Theatre brings together youths to speak about their experiences with HIV/AIDS.

UW-Madison students, working with the community, have been involved in organizing the weeks’ activities. Organizations include Students for Camp Heartland, Hillel, Health Professions Society/AED, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Sex Out Loud.