by Charles Sumpter

Created on: August 12, 2008

Last week, CNN ran a series entitled, "Black in America". Unfortunately, I was unable to watch the series, but I've seen it in the pass and read some of the reports about the issues discussed. I also discussed some of the issues as I know them, with a group of friends in Washington. Just listening to them, I became alarmed at what was occurring in our community, for one thing in particular, AIDS in our community.

When did this disease become such a killer in the African American community? This is one question that boggles my mind, and will continue to for the rest of my life whether a cure is found or not. Is it that our own genes fail us in susceptibility to this killer? Have we no hope since day 1 that this disease would ravage our bodies, destroy our homes and desert our children? I am starting to believe that there may in fact be some truth to that.

The African continent is shook with fear of this disease, and for good reason. In Kenya, 1 in every 6 adults is HIV positive. What the United States seems to forget is that this disease is on a rampage in our very own backyard. The CNN report also noted that the epidemic is just as worse in the African American community as it is in some African nations; the most startling fact of all.

Our old approach must change. I am calling on our leaders, whether at the community level (church, community organizer, teachers, health clinics), or state and federal levels (politicians, agencies) to step up and take action. The church must adapt to the changing times and lend out an open arm for those to lean on. For so many years, the church has turned it back on those it believed to be wicked, and sinful. The church must be a catalyst and start the discussion. Preachers and pastors everywhere must open their hearts and minds to those of greatest need, not just financially, but socially and emotionally.

CNN chose to point out the epidemic in the Black community due to the highest need, but this epidemic has entrenched itself in all of our communities. More must be done to depict the impacts on the homosexual community, the Latino community, the Asian community and the Caucasian community; and there is no such thing as an "innocent victim". That term first came up during the years of Ryan White. The idea that someone deserves to be infected with the disease no matter their decisions in life is wrong, and unchristian like (many in the church started this phrase). No one should have to go through what so many are going through today, Black, White, gay or straight.

I commend CNN for its in-depth reporting into another side of America, one that even Vice-President Dick Cheney did not know existed.

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