Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, as the founding cochair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, I rise to recognize National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day. While I believe every day should be HIV awareness day, February 7 is an important day to recognize the effect this epidemic has on African Americans. Although only 14 percent of the U.S. population, African Americans account for almost half of those living and dying with HIV and AIDS in this country. This year's theme is ``I am My Brother's Keeper, I am My Sister's Keeper.'' People of faith know it is unacceptable that a woman of color in the United States is 15 times more likely to be living with HIV than a white woman her age. People of faith know that it's unacceptable that our young men, particularly gay and bisexual men, are most affected in this country. We cannot allow this crisis to continue. We have the tools we need to end the AIDS epidemic. I urge everyone to get tested and take steps to protect themselves from the virus. I call on members of the faith community, the private sector, health organizations, community leaders, teachers, parents, and the media to come together like never before. The story of African Americans is one of resilience. I have great hope and expectation that we can once again persevere and we can stamp HIV and AIDS from the face of the Earth. ____________________”