AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS care provider and currently operating in 45 countries, hosted a star-studded night of entertainment and musical splendor with its World AIDS Day 2021 Concert,“The LA Revival,” held on December 1st in Los Angeles.
Commemorating World AIDS Day, formally observed globally each year on December 1st, AHF’s free concert event rocked the sold-out crowd in the iconic LA Forum arena, as renowned multi-platinum superstars, OSCARⓇ and multi-GRAMMYⓇ winner Jennifer Hudson and multi-GRAMMYⓇ winner Christina Aguilera delivered unforgettable live performances, with a powerhouse medley of hits. Multi-EMMYⓇ nominated comedian and internet sensation Randy Rainbow fueled the night with laughter as the host, while multi-EMMYⓇ and TONYⓇ winner Debbie Allen kicked off the festivities, presenting a dance performance by students from her Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). Allen, a longtime AHF partner who’s been previously honored with AHF’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her continued activism, also produced the World AIDS Day 2021 Concert.
The concert honored U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT) this year with AHF’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime dedication to the fight against HIV/AIDS. The award was accepted at the show by his wife Jane Sanders, along with the senator accepting the award via video message. The evening also commemorated two significant milestones this year in recognition of the decades-long fight against HIV and AIDS.
As the world continues to navigate the deadly global COVID-19 pandemic, the work still to be done on the HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over, in raising awareness, urging testing and preventative measures, and making continued progress in lifesaving care and treatments. This year marked a 40-year milestone since the first cases of AIDS were first reported (by the CDC, in June 1981), with AHF’s concert paying tribute to 40 years of remembrance for the lives lost, and continuing the fight. To date, over 30 million have died of AIDS and more than 38 million people worldwide today are thought to be living with HIV, according to the CDC. This year also marked a celebration of AHF’s 35th anniversary, with the concert commemorating its longstanding legacy of compassionate care.
AHF launched in June 1986, and has become the largest global AIDS organization today. Continuing its mission of providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy, regardless of ability to pay, AHF is currently serving over 1.6 million people in 45 countries. To date, AHF has held numerous concerts, community events, and commemorations across the globe over the years to mark World AIDS Day. Presenting an empowering evening of entertainment and advocacy, AHF’s World AIDS Day 2021 Concert also raised funds to benefit the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). AHF has raised a significant portion of funds with generous donations from Wells Fargo, City National Bank, Goldman Sachs and the Brotherhood Crusade.
“As we marked World AIDS Day this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor and remember the more than 30 million individuals who have died from AIDS—'the other pandemic’—since 1981, when the first cases of the disease were reported to the CDC,” said Michael Weinstein, President of AHF. “We also celebrate AHF’s 35-year history with our ‘L.A. Revival’ concert featuring performances by superstars Jennifer Hudson and Christina Aguilera as well as celebrate all the accomplishments the world has collectively made in HIV prevention, care and treatment over the years. To be clear: there remains much to be done in this fight, with 20 million people worldwide still in need of lifesaving treatment, but we pause today to honor and reflect, celebrate and recharge for the fight ahead.”
About AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF): AHF is a global nonprofit organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 1.6 million people in 45 countries worldwide. We are currently the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare .
