The Candlelight Memorial began in 1983 during a time of confusion and misconception about a mysterious disease sweeping the gay community in San Francisco in the United States. Knowing they would die within the year and with no political support, four young men – Bobbi Campbell, Bobby Reynolds, Dan Turner and Mark Feldman – decided to put a “face on the disease” by coordinating a small vigil behind a banner reading “Fighting For Our Lives.” The original coordinators planned a march down the Castro District to City Hall and created a poster.
As others joined in, the Candlelight drew thousands, beginning a movement that would inspire countless other people living with HIV and AIDS in other countries to bring HIV into the light for communities and national leaders, to foster support, and move people to action.
Since that day, now for almost 30 years, the Candlelight Memorial has brought together people in every region of the world to honor those lost to AIDS, support people living with HIV and demonstrate the importance of civil society, which plays a central role in HIV treatment, prevention, care and support.
Organised annually on the third Sunday of May, over time tens of thousands Memorial events have been held involving millions of people. Since it began in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial has honored those who have been affected by the AIDS pandemic. But the Global Health Council believes the Candlelight Memorial is much more than a memorial; it is an opportunity to educate about AIDS, create community dialogue, and influence local and national policy-makers about prevention, care and treatment.
It’s also an opportunity for coordinators to improve community mobilization skills, partner with like-minded groups and professionals, and find unity within a global coalition of AIDS activists.
We at JustCare Initiative will be joining communities all over the world to host an event on Sunday, May 15th, 2016 by 5pm the Dream Center, 8, Gbagada Expressway, Anthony-Oke Lagos. We will light candles, hear remarks and experiences of people living with HIV regarding stigma and discrimination and lots more. The event will also serve as an opportunity for participants to learn about the HIV/AIDS and also there will be HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing booths.
If you are in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, please endeavor to be at this event on the said day and lets make a change.
For more information and registration for the event,
Event Coordinator - International AIDS Candlelight memorial
Coordinator – JustCare Initiative
+2349028786554
E-mail - dennisakagha@justcareng.org
@justcareNg
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