AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS care provider and currently operating in 45 countries, has announced it is once again holding a special free concert event to commemorate World AIDS Day, formally observed internationally each year on December 1st. This year also marks two significant milestones in the decades-long fight against HIV and AIDS: first, for the first recognition by the CDC of the virus that led to what is now known as AIDS (40 years ago, in June 1981), and second, the launch of AHF (35 years ago, June 1986). The show will take place at the Forum, located at 3900 W Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood (90305).
In Los Angeles, AHF will host its 2021 World AIDS Day Concert on Wednesday, December 1st featuring renowned artists, OSCARⓇ and multi-GRAMMYⓇ winner Jennifer Hudson and multi-GRAMMYⓇ winner Christina Aguilera performing live, and multi-EMMYⓇ nominated comedian and internet sensation Randy Rainbow hosting the evening. The concert will be produced with longtime AHF partner, multi-EMMYⓇ and TONYⓇ winner Debbie Allen, and also feature a performance by young students from her Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA).
At the event, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT) will be honored with AHF’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be accepted via special video presentation. Under its “Keep the Promise!” banner, AHF will also acknowledge progress made in the global fight against HIV and AIDS and continue to raise awareness about “The Other Pandemic” as a reminder of the significant work still to be done on HIV/AIDS.
“The effects of the AIDS epidemic are very personal for me, as I had many friends and loved ones who passed away from this deadly virus. World AIDS Day allows me to celebrate those lives lost and commemorate their various contributions not only to our personal relationships but also to film, television, dance, and more,” said Debbie Allen. “Having a longstanding partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a prime example of how community should support and uplift one another. It is crucial for us to understand that this fight is far from over. Forty years ago, AIDS was first recognized by the CDC, and 40 years later we have lost millions of lives. I'm committed to continue to do my part in bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS, and I encourage you to do the same."
As the world continues to navigate the deadly global COVID-19 pandemic, AHF is taking a moment to note that this year also marks forty years since the first cases of AIDS—‘the other pandemic’—were first reported. To date, 33 million have died of AIDS and more than 38 million people worldwide today are thought to be living with HIV, according to the CDC.
NOTE: PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION IS REQUIRED to attend the concert and PARKING at the venue is limited. Free tickets to the AHF 2021 World AIDS Day event will be available via the Ticketmaster link and/or through www.ahfevents.org .
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 .
