FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2023
Contact: Danielle Miller, dmiller@dillard.edu
504.816.4328
NEW ORLEANS— During Black History Month, Dillard University is highlighting an important exhibition that honors Black lives lost to HIV/AIDS from February 7-11. Dillard’s Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center and the Office of the Chaplain collaborated with the National AIDS Memorial and the Southern AIDS Coalition to bring Change the Pattern, an initiative funded by Gilead Sciences to shed light on the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the state and the disparity among African Americans.
Change the Pattern is a new initiative to reimagine the response to the epidemic by bringing sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to communities throughout the South. The exhibition uses the beauty of the quilt to bring to light stories of Black men, women and children who have died from AIDS, highlighting the impact the disease has had on the Black community since the first cases were first reported more than 40 years ago. The Gentilly community and surrounding neighborhoods, including Dillard University students, faculty and staff are invited to read names provided by the National AIDS Memorial.
In honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7, 2023, Dillard will host a Love and Activism Breakfast and a quilt making workshop.
See full schedule below:
Tuesday, February 7 – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Love and Activism Breakfast
Location: PSB Lucien Pavillion
Time: 8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
REGISTER HERE
Tuesday, February 7 – Quilt Making Workshop
Location: PSB rooms 131-135
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, February 8 – Quilt Making Workshop
Location: PSB rooms 131-135
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, February 8 – HIV Testing
Location: Student Union Parking Lot
Time: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 – The Reading of the Names
Location: PSB Atrium
Time: 7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 11 – HIV Testing
Location: Student Union Parking Lot
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 – Drum Call of the Elders: HIV/AIDS Summit
Location: George’s Auditorium (PSB)
Time: 9:00 a.m. -3 p.m.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus- HIV- is the virus that causes AIDS- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS has had devastating impacts on Black and Brown communities in Southeast Louisiana for decades. The AIDS Memorial Quilt is the single largest memorial dedicated to those that have died from AIDS. Inscribed on over 50,000 square quilt patterns are the names of people who have died from AIDS, however, the names of Black and Brown people are not often elevated nor exist. Change the Pattern was created to center Black and Brown lives lost to AIDS and engage communities in virtual conversations that will help put an end to the epidemic.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
