In addition, homophobia in the black community has created a cloud of secrecy that has greatly contributed to the high rates of infection. Due to the stigma, many black men have sex with other men but do not see themselves as gay and are therefore not open to hearing messages of prevention or risk reduction for gay men. Statistics show that a significant number of women contract the virus through heterosexual intercourse with these men.

As AIDS advocates continue to work to address the issues that fuel the spread of the virus, Locke says that the Springfield Urban League will continue to distribute information and perform tests via the Wellness Wheels. On June 14 and 15, the SUL will travel to Peoria for a Teen Health Summit. On June 28, the agency will hold a commu nity fair at Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center. The “Summit of Hope” is a one-stop shop, providing a variety of health tests and screenings, as well as informative information.

The League will also continue conducting its workshops to train young adults to educate their peers about HIV and other STDs. To date, students at UIS, Blackburn College in Carlinville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Washington University in St. Louis have completed the SISTA Project and NIA program. When the students return to school in the fall, the Urban League will assist them in organizing informational programs and activities on their campuses. The agency also hopes to host SISTA and NIA workshops at other colleges in the area.

Jolonda Young is a former IT staff writer. She currently serves as director of Intercultural Programs and Services at Blackburn College.