Today Is World AIDS Day

Written By: MIM!—

Today, the world unites to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of the HIV virus. Learn how you can take action to tackle HIV prejudice and to protect yourself and others from HIV transmission by visiting www.worldaidsday.org.

MIMI Related Links: Better Sex Education Needed For African Adolescents; Healthy Sexual Lives For People Living With HIV; AIDS In Africa

(Photo Credits: © AtnoYdur / iStockPhoto)

Celebrate African Liberation Day

Written By: Mazuba Kapambwe—Today is African Liberation Day (a day to “mark each year the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolize the determination of the People of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation”), and in recognition of the day, I've picked my favorite songs about Africa:

1. Akon featuring Keri Hilson—Oh Africa

2. Salif Keita—Africa

3. Akon—Mama Africa

4. Malaika—I Am African

5. Yvonne Chaka Chaka—Mamaland.

Africa Celebrates U2

Slated for release on April 1, In The Name Of Love: Africa Celebrates U2 is a tribute to U2 featuring covers of classic U2 songs by Grammy Award-winning and up-and-coming African artists including Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, Vieux Farka Touré, Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir. The album was inspired by Bono's direct philanthropic impact via the launch of the ONE campaign and (RED), and his poignant outspoken public commentary on the immediate financial needs facing Africa. Deluxe packaging includes detailed info on the home countries of the artists, and information about nonprofit organizations that are making a difference.
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Get more details at: www.africacelebratesu2.com

I Am African, You Are African, We Are African

At the front line of the global war against the AIDS pandemic is Somali-born supermodel Iman. As the ambassador of Keep a Child Alive, Iman has sought to raise awareness of the program's one-dollar-a-day program that provides lifesaving antiretroviral drugs for children and families with AIDS in Africa. As part of her mission to raise awareness about Keep A Child Alive, Iman created the “I Am African” campaign which enlisted the help of countless celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Lucy Liu and Seal who all declared "I Am African." Predictably, the campaign generated controversy, especially among bloggers who were less than pleased over using Paltrow, Hollywood's "All American Girl," to promote the slogan "I am African." However, Iman says, "I was trying to come up with something that was unique but tying back to Africa. I came up with I Am African because I do believe that we all originated from Africa."

Irrespective of the controversy behind the campaign, the ultimate message is one that should not be forgotten: for a donation of one dollar a day, antiretroviral drugs that make AIDS a manageable chronic illness rather than a death sentence are provided to people living with HIV in various parts of Africa. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.keepachildalive.org

(Photo Credits: Keep A Child Alive)

MIMI Extra! Extra! Link: AIDS In Africa www.mimimagazine.com/december2006subscribers