ST. LOUIS - Williams& Associates, Inc., a community based agency addressing minority health disparities in St. Louis, announced today that Michael Sam, who made history as America’s first openly-gay professional football player, will join the ranks of actor Idris Elba, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, General Colin Powel, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, to name a few, as notable African Americans who have given voice to the importance of mobilizing communities to be proactive in the fight against AIDS.
Sam will keynote the organization’s National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Brunch on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at the Engineers Club of St. Louis, 4359 Lindell Blvd, at 11:00 a.m. The event is free and open to the public, however, reservations are required. Sam, a Texas native, was chosen as an All-American, and shared the title of Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Year during the final year of his college football career at the University of Missouri. A defensive end, he then became the first openly gay football player picked by an NFL team when the St. Louis Rams chose him during the league’s 2014 draft.
“We at Williams & Associates, Inc. work with young gay and bisexual men through an empowerment project that provides HIV prevention and care services, as well as group support, and mentoring. Many of the young men who utilize our services find themselves at the cross roads when it comes to their identities of being black, gay/bisexual, non-gay identified, and with coping with the social and political implications that come with being minority on several fronts. It is Mr. Sam’s apparent ability to meet those challenges that make him the appropriate person to speak to this segment of our community, and to the community as a whole. We are very excited about his participation in our efforts,” said Erise Williams, co-founder and President of Williams & Associates, Inc.
According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), African Americans account for almost half of all new infections in the United States each year (44%) as well as more than one third of all people living with HIV (41%). St. Louis City and County Health Department’s statistics show that, African Americans account for more than 50% of the reported HIV/AIDS cases in the St. Louis region.
“If we are to end the AIDS epidemic in America, we must stand up to racism, sexism, and homophobia. When young African American gay men hear from the world you are worthless, so why does it matter if you get infected? we must show them that they are worthy, and Michael Sam’s display of courage over the past year, does just that., “said Williams
Williams & Associates, Inc is a non-profit community based agency addressing minority health disparities through preventative health education, testing and screening, HIV/AIDS case management, and linkage to care services. The event is free and open to the public; reservation is required and can be done by calling Williams & Associates, Inc at 314-385-1935
VIA PRESS RELEASE