Did You Know? Although African American teens (ages 13-19) represent only 15% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 65% of the new Aids cases reported among teens in 2002.

Understanding the HIV/AIDS epidemic facing African American youth, Pastor Cowan, of New Life Missionary Baptist Church, knew that it was time to take action and create a program to empower his congregation. Because of the stigma and misunderstandings of HIV/AIDS, Pastor Cowan dialogued with Purpose & Promise about the best approach to take. From that conversation it was agreed upon that the “Power of 3” approach would be the best for his congregation.

The Power of 3 consists of three major components. Each component creates both internal and external dialogue. Those components are; Get Educated, Get Tested, and Change Our Behavior. Purpose & Promise, Inc. presented the Power of 3 training session to New Life Missionary Baptist Church and the surrounding community. The interest and dialogue was amazing. After the training session, all of the teens stated that they were excited and pleased to have a real conversation on the Truth About HIV/AIDS and that they truly understood their role in the “Power of 3”.

A 2005 Compassion Capital Fund grant empowered Purpose & Promise, Inc. to expand its HIV/AIDS education program. They have participated in capacity building workshops, will be attending financial development trainings, and purchase the necessary equipment needed to become more efficient and effective, thus increasing their sustainability.

“Thank you Purpose & Promise for delivering a great information session about HIV/AIDS. Our youth and young adults continue to dialogue about the epidemic.”
-Rev. Ivan Cowan, Pastor of New Life Missionary Baptist Church

World AIDS Day is commemorated around the globe on 1 December. It celebrates progress made in the battle against the epidemic — and brings into focus remaining challenges.

In 1988, ministers of health from around the world met in London to discuss a common strategy for dealing with the growing international crisis of HIV/AIDS. At the end of the summit, they announced the creation of an annual World AIDS Day, which is observed each December 1st. The goals of World AIDS Day are to call attention to the pandemic, to educate people about prevention, testing, and treatment options, and to fight the stigma that allows HIV/AIDS to spread.