In the words of a popular gospel song . . . you are important to me, I need you to survive.

The impact of HIV/AIDS on the African American community reinforces the fact that we are all dependent on one another for survival. After all, only an infected person can infect another individual! So, whether you have the virus or not, the epidemic affects our entire community.

The Black church, just as it was with the Civil Rights Movement, is one of the greatest influencers of attitudes, behavior and overall change in our community. Statistics estimate that seventy-two percent of the African American population in the state of Illinois regularly attends church and follows the initiative of their congregation and pastor/leader.

The “I Need You To Survive” initiative engages those in business, government, media, community and yes, the faith-based community to all come together to address the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the African-American community.

The initiative includes an annual pastors breakfast each February where ministry leaders are invited to engage in an open discussion on the issue. Some questions include, “What should a church’s HIV/AIDS ministry do?” “What does a pastor do when a member wants to disclose his status and help others?” “I can get members to come to the altar publicly for prayer for cancer, diabetes and other diseases, but not for HIV/AIDS – what should I do?”

The last Sunday of March - March 30, 2008 of this year - is “I Need You to Survive Sunday.” Pastors are encouraged to give a sermon/teaching on HIV/AIDS and then take up a collection on behalf of LTLTF and make that donation to the foundation. There is a Biblical scripture that reads, “My people perish and are destroyed because they lack knowledge.” Monies from church “offerings” are used toward the purchase of 500,000 HIV testing kits and certification of testers needed to significantly increase the number of African-Americans who are aware of their HIV/AIDS status.

The “Voice of the People” awards takes place the first Friday in May. This event is free and open to the public, and leaders in the categories of entertainment, sports, politics, media, and other categories are recognized for the contributions they’ve made in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

LTLTF’s crowning event, takes place every second Sunday of May, – the “I Need You To Survive African-American Walk/Run and Bike Ride.” Thousands come together and put “feet to their faith” by taking to the streets of Chicago to walk, run and ride to raise funds, awareness and serve as a catalyst to provide en masse free HIV testing. The day ends for the participants with a concert where everyone embraces one another in a demonstration that makes the statement “we’re all a part of God’s family.”