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NOVEMBER 29, 2005
Rhode Islanders Rally to Support HIV Prevention
Local radio DJs Tessa & Baby J host Red Ribbon Rally in downtown Providence; local businesses offer discounts to patrons wearing red ribbons
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Click on photos for larger view
Photos courtesy of
Peter Goldberg Photography
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The Red Ribbon Rally at
Providence Black Repertory Theatre
November 29, 2005
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Mayor David Cicilline
presents a proclamation to the RICPG for its outstanding work in HIV/AIDS prevention.
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Paul Loberti, Project
Ujima performers, Senator Juan Pichardo and Hot 106 personalities, Baby J and Tessa
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Elisa Delbonis, Baby J,
Paul Loberti, Tessa Spencer
and Dee Dee Williams
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — More than one hundred Rhode Islanders gathered this evening to celebrate the 6th Annual Red Ribbon Rally,
sponsored by the Rhode Island Community Planning Group for HIV Prevention (RICPG) and the Rhode Island Department of Health Office of HIV, AIDS & Viral Hepatitis. The Red Ribbon Rally is a community event
designed to promote awareness of and advocate for those affected by HIV and AIDS.
The Rally, at the Providence Black Repertory Company, was hosted by Hot 106.3 FM personalities "Tessa and Baby J." The theme
of the Rally, held in conjunction with World AIDS Day on December 1, was "Love Your Life. Protect Yourself. Get Tested for HIV."
"The Rhode Island Community Planning Group for HIV Prevention works tirelessly to advocate for awareness and prevention of
HIV and AIDS," said Dee-Dee Williams, the group's co-chair. "The Red Ribbon Rally encourages individuals to learn more about HIV/AIDS prevention, raise awareness with the public, and honors those whom we have
lost to the disease."
In Rhode Island today, more than 4,000 people are living with HIV or AIDS—and almost 150 people are newly diagnosed with
HIV every year.
At the Rally, individuals signed the world's largest AIDS red ribbon and were entertained by the youth theater group
Project UJIMA, singer Joe Benton, and other local talents. Local and statewide elected leaders were also honored for their commitment to HIV prevention.
Rally attendees received a special red ribbon, hand-knotted by a group of HIV-positive individuals who live in Southern China.
These Chinese citizens have been exiled from their villages because of their HIV-positive status. All proceeds from the purchase of these ribbons support HIV-positive individuals in China.
"Even as we reflect today on the impact of HIV and AIDS in our local community, these
red ribbons reflect the reality that AIDS is a disease with global impact," said Paul Loberti, co-chair of the RICPG and administrator of the Rhode Island Department of Health Office of HIV, AIDS &
Viral Hepatitis, which purchased the red ribbons. "We are honored to support the women of China's Gejiu community."
For the first time this year, several Rhode Island businesses have also demonstrated their commitment to the cause of the Red
Ribbon Rally by providing a 10 percent discount to patrons wearing red ribbons on November 29, November 30, and December 1.
"This holiday season we are proud to participate in such an important community awareness campaign," said Helena Pacheco,
store manager of the Providence Dress Barn location.
Participating businesses and locations include:
- Dress Barn (All locations throughout Rhode Island*)
- Biggles Toy Store, 275 Westminster Street
- Blake's Tavern, 122 Washington Street
- Continental Ltd., 130 Washington Street
- Downcity Food & Cocktail, 151 Weybosset Street
- Extreme Cuts, 155 Westminster Street
- Franklin Rogers Ltd., 142 Westminster Street
- Mark's Deli, 73 Washington Street
- Subway (also offering a free cookie), 719 Westminster Street
- Tazza Café, 250 Westminster Street
* Not valid on items 50% off or more, previously purchased items, layaways or gift
cards. Purchases can not be used in combination with any other offer.
About The Rhode Island Community Planning Group for HIV Prevention (RICPG)
The RICPG is a coalition of community members who work together to help prevent
the spread of HIV in Rhode Island. The diverse group includes those living with HIV/AIDS, their partners and families, service providers, state department
representatives, and concerned citizens. The mission of the RICPG is to empower the community through strategy planning, community engagement, and the
education of key stakeholders. The RICPG was established in 1994 by the Rhode Island Department of Health Office of HIV & AIDS, through a mandate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is now in its 17th year. It was initiated following a summit of health
ministers in January 1988, who recognized that a united global effort was required to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS.
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