December 5, 2023
City Council
DATE: December 5, 2023
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Zepeda and Mayor Martinez
Subject: World AIDS Day
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact related to this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
The City of Richmond continues to recognize World AIDS
Day as in years past.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in
the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength
and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost. It is recognized and celebrated annually on
December 1st.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing World AIDS Day, to honor
the 700,000 Americans and 40 million lives lost
worldwide to AIDS-related illnesses over the years –
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593) and
Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond recognizes this annual event as it serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.
AGENDA
REPORT
December 5, 2023
The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. This year marks the 35th commemoration of this important day. Over the past 35 years, there has been significant progress in addressing HIV and AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus. This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.”
Wearing a red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV. It was first devised in 1991, when twelve artists met to discuss a new project for Visual AIDS, a New York HIV-awareness arts organization.
It was there that they came up with what would become one of the most recognized symbols of the decade: the red ribbon, worn to signify awareness and support for people living with HIV. The artists wanted to create a visual expression of compassion for people living with HIV and chose red for its boldness, and for its symbolic associations with passion, the heart and love.
We recommit to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States and in our beloved city and rededicate ourselves to fighting the discrimination that often keeps people with HIV from getting the services they need and living the full lives they deserve.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation