November 26, 2024
City Council
DATE: November 26, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Subject:
Proclamation recognizing December 1st as World AIDS
Day
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact related to this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
World AIDS Day- November 28, 2023
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).
AGENDA
REPORT
November 26, 2024
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.
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.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment– Proclamation recognizing World AIDS Day