MUSIC
What appeared to some to be nothing more than a rap concert for teens turned out to be an eye-opening experience for thousands of young adults in the community who got results, and education, that can save many lives to come.
More than 15,000 young adults were treated to a free concert just for “knowing their status.” The fourth annual Hip Hop 4 HIV concert was held Saturday, July 31 at Houston’s Reliant Center.
The concert was free to the public, but with just one catch—attendees had to be tested and educated about HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, including Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
The concept started when former State Representative Borris Miles reached out to other prominent figures in an effort to combat the rising HIV and AIDS epidemic in the African American and Latino communities. He collaborated with 97.9 The Box and the City of Houston and an idea was formed to provide a free concert for those willing to be tested. Clinic sites were spread out across the Houston area offering free testing to anyone from the ages of 13 to 40 years old, and thousands flooded the clinic for the opportunity to see their favorite performers for free.
“We did not know how big it was going to be when we first started,” said the Madd Hatta, host of 97.9 The Box’s Madd Hatta Morning show. “The sad thing about it is we are going to have to continue to do it because the problem is growing.” > In order to get the “golden ticket,” they had to go through a four-hour process of being tested, getting educated and getting referred to the proper medical professionals, if needed. “What I love about the program is not only do they get tested, they get educated,” Hatta said & added the ticket is not received until the
status is known.
“No, you are not
just going to get
tested and walk
away with a ticket.
You have to go
through the whole
process & after you
know your status,
your access is
granted.”
HIPHOP 4 HIV - Named: “Worlds Largest STD Testing Event”
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The Boston Celtics are making progress on a deal that would bring Shaquille O'Neal to the defending Eastern Conference champions, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke with the AP on the condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet final.
Earlier Tuesday, the four-time NBA champion said he will be in the league next season and would rather retire than play internationally. The 38-year-old O'Neal spent last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He won three NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and another with the Miami Heat. But he has struggled to find a contract from a team that can guarantee him playing time, enough money and a chance for one more championship. He has all-but ruled out joining LeBron James in Miami or a return to Orlando, where he began his career in 1992.The Celtics have been looking for big men because Kendrick Perkins is expected to miss at least half the season with a knee injury he sustained in the NBA finals. Boston has already signed Jermaine O'Neal. >>>> Read more: AT SPORTING NEWS (CLICK HERE)
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"I will not abandon this movement, because the young and the university students are w/ me. I thank them, as well as the people who were w/ me yesterday," said Jean, who flew into the country Thursday in a private jet.
The Grammy-winning former Fugees frontman has little experience in politics but casts his insurgent bid in the November 28 election as a chance to save a country brought to its knees by poverty, mismanagement and last January's devastating earthquake.
"The United States has (President Barack) Obama, here you're going to have Wyclef," the Haitian-born performer said Thursday after arriving with his wife and daughter. But even before competing in a race that already features 14 candidates, Jean was hitting obstacles.
While about 500 young people gave him an enthusiastic welcome on Thursday many influential figures in the Caribbean nation, which is infamous for turbulent politics, are less awe-struck.
Questions are being asked about a pop star's suitability for pulling Haiti back from disaster or even whether he is eligible to run.
The constitution requires candidates live at least five years in Haiti and the elections board will decide August 17 whether Jean, whose family emigrated to New York when he was a child, qualifies
Clouds & Crowds Gather Over Wyclef Jean's Haiti bid
PORT-AU-PRINCE
— Hip-hop superstar Wyclef Jean
flew out of his native Haiti on Friday as clouds gathered over his outsider presidential bid announced barely
24 hours earlier.
"I am leaving because of family obligations, but I will return in several weeks to enter the electoral campaign" the NY-based singer, speaking in Creole, told reporters at Port-au-Prince airport.
