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The AIDS Memorial Quilt in Alabama
More than 50 sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt honoring Black and Latinx lives lost to AIDS will be displayed in Montgomery and surrounding communities November 30th – December 4th, coinciding with World AIDS Day on December 1st.
The exhibition – the largest ever in the state – is our next stop as part of the Change the Pattern, an initiative by the National AIDS Memorial, Southern AIDS Coalition and Gilead Sciences, to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and its continued impact on communities of color and marginalized populations in Alabama and the South. The displays will be free to the public. The five-day multi-location displays will take place at Kress on Dexter, 39 Dexter Avenue, in downtown Montgomery and other locations in the surrounding community. A full schedule of events will be announced on November 15th. The exhibition will share the stories of loved ones lost and include quilt-making workshops, educational forums, movie screenings and other events.
The South has 52% of all HIV diagnosis in the United States. The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately affect the Black community in Alabama, who are more than seven times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than Whites and five times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than Hispanics. The Black community comprises only 26.5% of Alabama’s total population, however, accounts for 71.8% of new HIV cases. It is estimated that 1 in every 6-and-a-halfpeople who are HIV-positive in the state are not aware of their status. Montgomery County has the highest rate of HIV diagnosis in Alabama.
Participate in community programs designed to raise awareness and advocacy around HIV/AIDS in the South through celebration, conversation, and reflection.
PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
IN ALABAMA
of people living with HIV in Alabama are women
PEOPLE NEWLY DIAGNOSED
WITH HIV IN ALABAMA in 2020
of people living with HIV in Alabama are Black and Hispanic/Latino
Rate of people living with HIV in Alabama per 100,000 population
Percent of people living with HIV in Alabama under the age 45
Increased percent of PrEP users in Alabama
“Our hope is that bringing the Quilt will shine a light on the systemic struggles our community faces still today, not just in the fight to end HIV, but the health and social justice issues that for too long have been ignored.”
"We are bringing the Quilt as a teaching tool to the South to encourage folks to educate one another, to empower one another, and to take charge of their own health in different and creative ways."
"We are trying to Change the Pattern of access. To Change the Pattern of opportunity. To Change the Pattern of people not being connected with these numbers that we hear so much about.”
“The program is helping us look at new ways to reach and actively engage communities that continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV so we can help end the epidemic.“
This powerful and timely Quilt exhibition will feature more than 500 hand-stitched panels of the AIDS Quilt that honor Black and Latinx lives lost to AIDS and feature many newly made Quilt panels from Southern states, which will be featured for the first time publicly.
For partners and the community. Find information to take an active role in your health, challenge cultural stigma and continue the legacy of advocacy for your community.
You don’t have to be an artist or sewing expert to create a moving personal tribute remembering a life lost to AIDS.
We depend on the support of people like you to help preserve the Quilt and keep it on display. If you have time, we need the help!
Help care for the Quilt by making a donation today. Gifts of any amount are welcome and greatly appreciated!
It's time to Change the Pattern in the fight to end HIV and AIDS in the Southern United States. Be a part of this new initiative!
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