On National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Dr. Deion Hawkins Reflects on His Journey to HIV Advocacy
On this episode of The Reckoning, we are honoring National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NBHAAD) with Dr. Deion Hawkins. Dr. Hawkins introduces his latest article, "Different Year, Same Advocate: Reflecting on 10 Years of #HIV Research and Advocacy," providing insights into his advocacy work and the ongoing challenges faced by Black gay men. Dr. Hawkins shares his personal journey to HIV advocacy, reflecting on a decade of research, activism, and the profound moments that have shaped his commitment to this cause. From early advocacy in elementary school to confronting alarming statistics in graduate school, his story is a powerful testament to the importance of education, empowerment, and representation in the fight reduce the impact of HIV on the Black community.
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Video Chapters
00:00 Intro Theme
00:05 Introduction and Welcome
00:35 Dr. Deion Hawkins: Journey to HIV Advocacy
01:21 Early Advocacy Experiences
05:13 The Power of Debate and Education
06:53 The Shocking HIV Statistic that Inspired Dr. Hawkins' Advocacy (Study: https://bit.ly/3HRTmYc)
12:46 The Importance of Black #LGBTQIA+ Representation in Research
16:05 Advice for Aspiring Advocates Interested in HIV
18:26 Conclusion and Farewell
19:05 Closing Theme
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Johnnie Ray Kornegay III (aka Jay Ray) serves as Deputy Director of Strategy and Impact for The Counter Narrative Project (CNP), an organization committed to countering narratives and speaking truth to power. In addition, he is co-host and producer of the podcast Queue Points, a visual podcast where he and his co-host, DJ Sir Daniel, inform and celebrate Black Music creatives through meaningful dialogue.
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I’ve now made a career out of being an award-winning debate coach and HIV advocate. Like the foundation of a home, being an advocate is a core part of who I am. Asking me to stay silent is like asking the ocean not to wave – it's against the very nature of its existence.