Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 26 December 2003 — Page 6

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nBuliiam jfllW . journalism and Mrlfing Seminars

A SECTION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2003

The Recorder JAWS section (Journalism and Writing Seminars) is a nonprofit instructional program established through The Recorder Charities to provide students of color (interns) hands on training and exposure to the field of journalism The goal is to encourage participants to pursue careers in journalism.

America responds to the AIDS crisis

By Tasasha Henderson Perry Meridian High School Recorder Intern According to the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS, there were 37 million adults and 2.5 million children living with AIDS at the end of 2003. Africa has been greatly affected by the AIDS crisis. There are also 3.2 million ' children under the age of IS in sub-Saharan Africa who are infected. Across the countries of sub-Sa-haran Africa 2.2 million died of AIDS in 2001. What is HIV/AIDS? Human Immuno-deficiency Virus, or what is commonly called HIV, is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or what is commonly called AIDS. Once someone gets infected with HIV, the body

will try to fight the infection. Being HIV-positive is not the same as having AIDS Many people are HIV-positive but donit get sick for many years. The people of Africa don’t have access or money to get the Antiretroviral drugs, the main type of treatment for AIDS, that they desperately need. There are measures that the medical world has been making to provide these drugs to the infected people. Pharmaceutical companies are reducing the cost of their drugs due to the constant pressure by AIDS organizations and activists. When asked do you think the United States should be involved in fighting AIDS in Africa or should it concentrate on the domestic AIDS crisis, Dinah Allen, a senior at Ben Davis High School, says “It should go both ways since we are the country with the most resources. The United States should lend a helping hand to Africa but focus more on America."

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Miseducation and ignorance are major factors that need to be overcome to fight the AIDS epidemic in Africa. A lot of the African people know there is a disease called AIDS for which there is no cure, but they do not know how it is transmitted. They also deny that the risk applies to them, even though casual, premarital, and coercive sex is common in sub-Saharan Africa. According to national research, political and social problems force large numbers of refugees and women who can’t support themselves to turn to prostitution. To fight this problem the global community needs to take action to educate and inform the African people. The U.S. State Department reports that the U.S. will almost triple its annual assistance to fighting HIV/AIDS internationally. Over five years, the U.S. will spend $I5 billion to fight the AIDS epidemic. The plan is to prevent 7 million new HIV infections, including HIV transmission between mothers and newborns, treat 2 million people living with HIV/AIDS with effective medicines, including anti-retroviral and antibiotics, and care for 10 million HIV-infected individuals and AIDS orphans When asked if she thinks the United States is doing enough to help the victims of AIDS in Africa, Alyse Robinson, a sophomore at Broad Ripple High School, replied. No I do not. I don’t feel that the United States is doing enough, and I don’t think that Africa is doing their part either. I believe the concert held in Africa with Beyonce was a good idea. Having people educate the Africans on why contraception is needed is a good idea so they will know how to prevent themselves from getting AIDS.? Lisa Wiggins, mother of two, said, iThe United States should help fight the AIDS epidemic in Africa to keep the virus from spreading even more. Lawrence Lewis, a Marion County resident is also concerned about the AIDS epidemic in Africa. He said iThe United States should help to fight AIDS in Africa because the Africans are human beings like everyone else and should be helped.? The AIDS epidemic in Africa is a world-wide problem that needs all the support and resources that can be provided. If you would like to donate to an AIDS organization visit www.aidsaction.org.

Facilitators Shannon Williams (far left) and Tysha Hardy-Sellers (far right) pose with students during a special holiday party recognizing the students’ tremendous work ethics during the fall portion of JAWS.

Kwanzaa celebration emphasizes African culture

By Chris Rogers Lawrence Central High School Recorder Intern Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! And have a great... Kwanzaa? Not many people know too much about Kwanzaa. It is an Africanbased celebration that celebrates family, community and culture. It begins December 26th and ends January 1st. This holiday consists of gifts and colors and symbols that represent the values of the African heritage. Created in 1966, by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a very important holiday that teaches younger generations about their past and culture. Karenga stated, iThe message and meaning of Kwanzaa: bringing good into the world.? The name Kwanzaa comes from “matunda ya kwanzaa,” a phrase in Swahili that means “first fruits.” The celebration of the first fruits goes all the way back to ancient Egypt and the Zulu. The African “first fruit" celebrations were set in five parts: ingather-ing^r-everence, commemoration, recommitment, and celebration. So Kwanzaa is broken down to a time to gather with others, honor and give thanks to your creator. It is a time to look back on your mistakes and what they have

taught you, a time to get in touch with your African roots, and a time to celebrate all that is good in your life and that which you are thankful. You can’t understand Kwanzaa without knowing the symbols of Kwanzaa. The key symbols of Kwanzaa are Kikombe cha Umoja(Unity Cup) which is symbolic to the principles and to the unity of family and people. Zawadi(The Gifts) symbolizes the work of your parents and their commitments to you. Muhindi(The Corn) represents the children of the future, Mazao(The Crops) represents our rewards and the products of our labor, and Mkeka(The Mat) symbolizes our history and the foundation on which we build on. Also, of the key symbols of Kwanzaa, there is the Kinara and the Mishimaa Saba(Candle holder and The Seven Candles). The Kinara symbolizes our roots from which we’ve come. The Seven Candles, or Mishmaa Saba, represents the Nguzo Saba, or the Seven principles, and the values that people

should live by all the time. The Seven Principles are Umoja(Unity), Kujichagulia(SelfDetermenation), Ujima(Responsibility), Ujamaa(Cooperative Economics), Nia(Purpose), Kuumba(Creativity), and Imani(Faith). Greg Smith, a member at the St. Rita Catholic Church, has celebrated Kwanzaa for more than 10 years. He said that Kwanzaa is ia great experience to the American community that brings congregation alot closer to the community. It brings a eblacknessi to Christmas.? When asked to summarize Kwanzaa in a few words, he said '(heritage, spirit, and community.? Kwanzaa is a celebration of all things that brought, are bringing, or will bring you happiness. It celebrates family and good values. Kwanzaa is a great holiday for those who are interested in learning more of the African culture and heritage and those who are truly proud of who they are and where they come from.