On March 10th, WWAV joined with over 500 people for a the Red Umbrella HIV/AIDS Awareness Second-Line March.  The purpose of the march was to raise awareness about the alarming and rising rate of HIV infections in the New Orleans’ African American community.

The Second-Line March, which was co-organized by HIV NOLA and the local chapter of The Links, Inc., began its route at Hunter’s Field at the corner of North Claiborne and St. Bernard avenues and ended with an informational rally at Congo Square led by Dr. Corey Hebert and radio personality Kelder Summers.

Along the march route, we handed out free condoms and literature on HIV/AIDS along the route. The procession was led by the Stooges Brass Band, the Original Lady Buck Jumpers and the Dumaine Street Gang.

WWAV Executive Director, Deon Haywood, addressed the crowd, speaking to the particular impact of HIV/AIDS on women, and rallying those assembled to fight for reproductive justice as a vital part of comprehensive HIV prevention.