EVENT RECAP: Choose Life Awards in NYC

I recently had a fantastic opportunity to cover the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS 25th Anniversary "Choose Life" Benefit Reception in New York City. What a mouthful of a title right? In case you don't know, NBLCA is a dynamic and important organization committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS and critical health disparities in the African American community. Talk show queen Wendy Williams was on hand to host the event and helped celebrate a few of the extra-ordinary award recipients. Check out a few fabulous pics from the event:

Wendy Williams did a great job hosting the event!

How u doing Wendy?

Cheers to eradicating the disease, I will drink to that!

Former NFL football player Tiki Barber with his lady

In case you are wondering what Tiki has been up to in the 6 years since retiring from playing football a few years ago, he told me that he currently works at an international shipping company. He explained that he came out to support NBLAC because he believes that "every influential person, especially African Americans in New York City and around the world should be aware of the HIV/AIDS epidemic". It warms my heart to to see celebrities use their fame to bring attention to important matters.

Tiki Barber onstage

C. Virginia Fields, President and CEO of NBLCA 

Did you know that African Americans face the most severe burden of HIV in the US? Even though black people represent approximately 14% of the US population, they accounted for almost half (46%) of people living with the HIV in the U.S. That is mind numbing! That's why we salute people like C. Virginia Fields, hard working folks that are doing their part in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The one question I had at the end of the night was"what can I do to help?"

Photographer Duane Cramer also got honored for his work
against the disease

Carla A. Harris, managing director of Morgan Stanley was
one of the award recipients

Carla is such an amazing woman. On top of all her accomplishments and bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS , Miss Harris is an celebrated singer who just released a gospel album. Splendid!

(L-R) Michael Jack, Brian Thompson, guest, guest, Sandra Bookman,
and television host Wendy Williams

Check out www.nblca.org for more information!