Students recognize AIDS Day with education

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students recognized World AIDS Day on Tuesday with a message of inclusion toward people who have the virus.

Students learned about using contraception and accepting people who carry the virus. They were also asked to swab the inside of their cheeks to determine their HIV status. Students said they wanted to dispel misconceptions about the virus.

Jerrell Hardnett, public relations specialist with Arkansas AIDS Foundation, was a speaker. He said that gay black men carry the virus at a disproportionately high rate, but that knowledge is power. He wants to educate people about the existence of drugs that prevent the virus from being transmitted. He said that the virus is also spread through intravenous drug use.

“If I can reach one individual, I have succeeded,” said Hardnett, a Pine Bluff native and University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate.

UAPB sophomore Zakiya Baruti is part of an organization called HIV AIDS Peer Educators, an organizer of the activities. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, she asked people not to fear being tested for the virus.

“People came in here looked like they did not want to be tested,” Baruti said. “I think it was a good turnout, especially compared to last year.”

UAPB sophomore Che Jean-Charles is also part of the HIV AIDS Peer Educators. A native of Detroit, Michigan, she wanted people to not be afraid to shake hands with people who carry the virus. A math major, she said that people need to use contraception.

UAPB junior Jayela Courtney encouraged people to know their health status and not try to impress other people.

“They can mess up your life and take you down the wrong path,” said Courtney, a Little Rock native. “You can never be too careful.”

UAPB junior Brandon Morgan encouraged people to accept people and to know their HIV status. A Little Rock native, the fashion merchandising major promoted education.

“When you are in college, a lot of things can happen,” Morgan said. “Knowing your HIV status protects the college as a whole. If someone loves you, they will accept you with your flaws.”

UAPB senior Latasha Logan encouraged people to get tested. She praised Hardnett as a sweetheart for sharing his story.

“I believe he shed light on HIV/AIDS,” said Logan, of Dermott.

Last year she wrote a paper about HIV impacting people.

Students released balloons and walked from the Student Union to the Browne Infirmary. There they were tested to see if they carry the virus.