Freedom Rider

Dear HIV

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:45:00 GMT

We were first introduced through our social network in 1989. I did not have enough information about you nor was I consciously connecting to my sexual behavior with my sexual identity. You traveled with your friend syphilis looking for any opening to attack and you both crashed the party. Your friend syphilis became noticeable while you went about your work without detection.

The POWER of WORDS

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Mon, 5 Mar 2012 08:59:00 GMT

In a previous blog, "Sowing Seeds for the Movement," I shared that throughout 2010 I had been working on several other projects and how I am excited regarding the completion of an anthology entitled, Cornbread, Fish and Collard Greens: Prayers, Poems, & Affirmations for People Living with HIV/AIDS. The work over the last eighteen months has brought my spirit great rewards as the submissions have touched my soul, provoked internal dialog, made me cry, filled me with hope and connected me to an international community of compassionate contributors who have shared their work to empower our world.

Community or Chaos: Roland Martin, Rampant Homophobia and HIV Risk

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:17:00 GMT

The homophobia in the black community runs so deep that we can't even recognize it when we hear it or read it. You may or may not have heard about the recent dialog regarding CNN's Roland Martin being under fire from gay rights groups after tweeting that people should "smack the ish out" of male fans of a steamy Super Bowl commercial starring David Beckham.

Sowing Seeds for the Movement

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:45:00 GMT

It was sometime in 2010 when I came to the attention of Olivia Ford, community manager for TheBody.com. I had been sending out press releases to every email that I could find in HIV/AIDS media. Olivia was the only person to respond to the news that an HIV-positive person was working toward a national HIV/AIDS mobilization campaign, Cycle for Freedom. You can't imagine the joy and excitement that I was feeling after sending well over 100 emails with no response.

Getting to Zero and Cycle for Freedom: A National HIV/AIDS Mobilization Campaign

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

In 2009, I was shaken by the loss of two very dear friends who were warriors on the battlefield for HIV education and awareness: Richard Anderson (Atlanta, Ga., founder of Men of Color in Motion) and Floyd Patterson (Pittsburgh, Pa.). Both were long-term survivors and transitioned from AIDS-related illnesses. These men lived openly with HIV/AIDS, sharing and pushing back against HIV-related stigma. Following their loss, I took some time in prayer and meditation with God, asking the question, "Why am I still here after 21 years of dealing with this virus?" Out of the time with God came my new assignment: Cycle for Freedom, a national HIV/AIDS mobilization campaign, was founded shortly afterward in 2010.

Help AIDS United to "Make It Grow"

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:38:00 GMT

More than 50 percent of the 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States do not have consistent access to care, and the people most affected are communities of color and those in extreme poverty. The AIDS United movement has set a course to change that. I recently became aware of AIDS United and its efforts to develop commitments from corporations, foundations, and individuals to invest their resources to connect people living with HIV/AIDS who need high-quality supportive services and health care.

Just a little more than two weeks ago this nation celebrated the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech, which he deliver to hundreds of thousands on the Washington Mall. As I listened to several news reports, commentators and programs I was left with a void. At no time during any of the programs I watched or listened to did anyone ask this question: "What would Dr. King say about this county and its greed and inability to support AIDS funding?"

Be the Chair of Your Own Board: Advice Before Starting Treatment

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:05:00 GMT

"If I could go back in time to the moment before I started HIV treatment, what piece of advice would I give myself?" I would advise myself to approach my decision the exact same way. I didn't begin treatment until seven or eight years after my diagnosis. As a librarian I was heavy into research and worked to find out as much as I could about the current treatments available. I read Websites like TheBody.com, and read POZ magazine from cover to cover.

Always Late to the Party

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:05:00 GMT

I had a blog written over a month ago to submit for Pride here on TheBody.com. It described how I was a part of a group of LGBTQ Black college students who decided to go the Washington, D.C., for the Memorial Holiday weekend back in 1989. Then it was a few small gatherings of the "children," and we carried on for filth. At that time I was still so closeted but felt safe with a group of men I called my friends from Florida A&M University. I had no idea nor did we plan for what that holiday would turn out to be years later.

The Responsible Thing to Do

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:16:00 GMT

Early in 1990 I met a young woman on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. Soon after our second or third date I share with her that I am a Bi-Sexual man. She seems comfortable with it and with me as our relationship developed. By March of 1991, I knew I wanted to marry her.

Prior to asking for her hand in marriage I decided to get tested for HIV. Before returning to Pittsburgh I was a student at Florida A&M University and I had unprotected sex with both men and women, so in my mind this was the responsible thing to do.

Well Done: Honoring Dr. Mark Colomb

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:11:00 GMT

For the past several days I have been reminded once again, that tomorrow is never promised. My mentor, Dr. Mark A. Colomb (1963-2011), Founder/President of My Brother's Keeper, Inc., has transitioned.

Dr. Mark A. Colomb was a staunch warrior and activist whose passion and commitment to Mississippi, the South and particular focus on responding to the needs of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) have left a legacy of leadership.

Alafia (Peace)

FreedomRider2011@gmail.com (Khafre Abif) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:11:00 GMT

Alafia means peace. It is a word from the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

What a blessing it is to contribute to the community of activists, advocates, bloggers, writers, and columnists who seek to empower the lives of us infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. I count it all joy to contribute through TheBody.com which has been a constant and faithful resource to me personally for many years.