Mariah’s Story📕
A Day in the Life of Mariah: Raising Awareness on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Mariah woke up early on February 7th, feeling both hopeful and determined. It was National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day that meant a lot to her community and to her personally. Growing up in a small town, Mariah had seen the impact of HIV/AIDS on her friends, family, and neighbors. For many in her community, the stigma around HIV was still very real, making it difficult for people to talk about their status, seek treatment, or even get tested. Today, she was ready to make a difference.
Her first stop was the local community center, where she’d volunteered for years. The center was hosting a free HIV testing event, offering confidential services to anyone who wanted to know their status. Mariah had seen firsthand how the lack of education and fear kept so many people from getting tested. “Knowledge is power,” she thought as she set up tables with pamphlets, flyers, and information about HIV care.
As people started trickling in, Mariah greeted them with a smile, encouraging them to take part in the free testing. She knew how important it was to take that first step—getting tested. Early detection could mean better treatment outcomes, but it was something so many avoided because of the fear of being judged.
She noticed an elderly man, Mr. Johnson, sitting by himself. He had lived in the community for decades, and though he was a kind and friendly figure, he was known for being private about his health. Mariah approached him with a warm smile.
“Mr. Johnson, how are you today?” she asked, sitting beside him.
“I’m fine, Mariah, just not sure about this whole HIV testing business,” he replied, looking uneasy.
Mariah took a deep breath, understanding where he was coming from. “I get it, Mr. Johnson. But getting tested isn’t about shame—it’s about your health and knowing what’s going on inside your body. HIV can be managed, and the earlier you know, the better care you’ll get.”
He nodded slowly. Mariah could see the uncertainty in his eyes, but she also saw the glimmer of trust. After a moment, he agreed to take the test.
Later that day, Mariah joined a local panel discussion at a church, where they were talking about the importance of addressing HIV within the African American community. Mariah shared her personal story and the struggles many people in the community faced—not just from the disease itself, but from the stigma that surrounded it. She spoke about how cultural misconceptions and fear often kept people from seeking treatment or even getting tested.
“People think HIV is a death sentence, but it’s not anymore,” she told the group. “With proper care and treatment, people can live full lives. But the first step is breaking down the stigma and getting the right support.”
Afterward, a woman named Tanya approached her. Tanya had been living with HIV for several years but had kept it a secret from most people. She shared how the fear of being judged had kept her from seeking care, and she admitted she’d only started treatment recently after finding a supportive doctor.
“I didn’t want people to look at me differently,” Tanya said. “But now that I’ve started treatment, I feel so much better. I want to help others, but I still feel like I’m hiding something.”
Mariah gently took her hand. “You’re not alone, Tanya. There’s a whole community of people who are with you. The more we talk about it, the more we can help each other.”
Later that evening, Mariah met with a group of volunteers from various local organizations. They were brainstorming ways to continue the conversation around HIV/AIDS and healthcare disparities. Mariah had a vision for a community where no one had to suffer in silence. She believed that everyone should have access to the care they needed, regardless of their background or where they lived. The group discussed ways to bring more awareness to affordable HIV care, especially for those who faced barriers to healthcare, like transportation or lack of insurance.
As the day came to an end, Mariah stood on the steps of the community center, watching as the evening sky turned purple and gold. She felt exhausted but fulfilled. Today had been a reminder of the power of education, conversation, and compassion. Whether it was helping someone take that first step to get tested, providing a safe space to talk about HIV, or advocating for better care services, every small effort mattered.
Mariah knew that while there was still much work to be done, today had been a step in the right direction. She walked home with a sense of hope in her heart. After all, change wasn’t something that happened overnight—it was something built one conversation, one person, and one action at a time. And she was ready to keep working for it, every day.