FACES NY OPEN LETTER

Dear "Gatekeeper",

African American males are amongst one of the highest of new HIV infection rates nationwide. You are not alone. You have to start by realizing that everything happens for a reason and that you are strong enough to live with this. You are 100% whole and complete, as you are; you just live with something extra. That something extra is HIV, a virus that we have become so knowledgeable and advanced in that you can live a full and prosperous life, free of depression, illness, and misery. We all hope for a cure, each and every day, but until that day….There is a way, and FACES NY, Inc would love to help get you into care. Please contact us at 212.283.9180 and we can develop a strategy on continuing a long, healthy, prosperous life for you and your family.

With Warmest Regard,

The Education Department
212.283.9180

FACES NY, Inc.
www.faceny.org

SOLUTION UNCLEAR

EDITOR'S NOTE: WHEN GET DOWN RECEIVED THIS BLOGGER'S POST , WE WERE ASKED IF THE BLOGGER COULD REMAIN "ANONYMOUS" AND WE AGREED. IT IS POSTED VERBATIM. THE BLOGGER CHOSE THE TITLE "SOLUTION UNCLEAR" AND THEIR NAME "GATEKEEPER". WE FEEL IT'S IMPORTANT FOR "ANONYMOUS", AND THE MILLIONS OTHERS THAT SHARE THE SAME FEELINGS, TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE. THERE ARE PLACES YOU CAN GO, CONFIDENTIALLY, FOR HELP. WE ARE PARTNERED WITH FACES NY AND WE'VE POSTED INFORMATION BY STATE TO VARIOUS TESTING AND COUNSELING SITES AROUND THE COUNTRY ON OUR MYSPACE.COM/GETDOWNPSA BLOG PAGE.


By being an African-American male I am faced with many issues, but I never doubted my ability to overcome them. My world was crushed without efficient documentation around my eighteenth birthday when I started getting ill. The cause was HIV; three letters which never crossed my mind, even though the signs where hitting me in my face. I felt like the growing number of cases across the globe. I felt like a failure to my parents, my community and myself. I was naive to the plague running rogue in the world. I was blinded by the lifestyle I was living. Now how do I cope with the depression, illness and misery? More than once has the easy solution of taking my life entered my brain, but maybe something greater is in-store for me. I have good days and some that are not so good. I have yet to found it in myself to love myself, yet I crave to be loved, ironic. I ask myself “Who will love me now since I am apart of the problem.” Never have I seen so much sadness and disappointment from my parents. Tears filled their eyes as news broke, but they were the ones who warned me. I slowly fall into the abyss with no rope I feel. Having a secret like this is a struggle to protect, because such a secret can cause alienation. I hope for a cure but this hope is like wishing on a star; just a glimpse of shinning hope. My sorrows, fears and disappointment run deep as the Pacific Ocean and I feel like one day I will give up and drown. One thing that rings in my head is the words of my mother, “The next day will be better.” Those words give me strength to proceed even when I feel like giving up. Is this the plan God has for me? Maybe I will make a difference, but I hope my drive and fight will not run out because they are on empty. How can I refuel my hopes and dreams?

Signed, “Gatekeeper”

AMIR THORNELL WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THIS...

STAND UP POSITIVE PEOPLE!!!! TOOT YOUR OWN HORN!

I don't know about you but the war between good & evil is having a devastating effect on the minds of not only our young but our families as well. It seems like negativity has infiltrated and taken root in too many peoples' minds. Too many of us have allowed or settled for truly mediocre or half positive leaders or temporary role models when in fact people - we need to be our own role models, our own leaders! Hence the title - Stand up, Shout Yourself Out, Be the Positive Example. Lead yourself and influence others in your immediate community! Don't wait on only celebrities or public figures to do it for us. And don't focus only on the celebrity. One of the secrets to success is that successful people focus on the work; they focus on their passion, their talent, their skill. And when they are doing well and or are focused - they 'toot their horn'!


Two great and wise women, who I call friends (and former co-workers) once told me “you’ve got to 'toot your horn' sometimes”. Sometimes you’ve got to remind people what you're worth. This was when I had reached a certain level where I used to work and I 'tooted my horn' by showing others or reminded them how far I came and or how much I have done (gave evidence); so when I was ready to do more or give more or do something different I had proof! So often, the ignorant, the needy, the arrogant, and the dramatic eat up people's time and efforts! While often the humble who are doing the right thing get overshadowed by the people who hog the limelight; they have charmed their way into our attention. The priorities of our society have been compromised - you see it everywhere, from Tiger Woods to Jesse James to violent crimes committed in our schools. These are the stories that get the most attention in the media. It might lead those of us with lower self-esteem to emulate these behaviors in order the gain attention they might not receive for doing something positive.


While some people don’t necessarily need the limelight, however, we do need to take back the minds of our people easily influenced and lead astray. Let’s make inner success and inner development priority (see future blog for more). Positive people strategize, collaborate, and coalition with other like-minded people to get your good work noticed. Who doesn't like a good champion? Good people have supporters, like Kevin Powell for instance, who is running for Congress in Brooklyn, NY (yes, I am plugging!).


I am no expert, but based on my personal and professional experience, I have tried to be a good “coach” figure and inspiring force for youth over the years. I am passionate, productive, and positive! I am combating stereotypes and prejudices by fighting the good fight & shouting the small positive things young people do to inspire them while also challenging them to do better. Like others who are also trying to inspire change (who just so happen to be celebrities) such as Wyclef and Mary J Blige, I have found my niche; found a place to be good at what I do. I also have found ways to inspire others to do good for themselves. No matter who you are, what age you are, or your circumstances, YOU CAN DO THE SAME!


How do you measure “each one teach one”? When that person you inspire comes back to you for more or begin to learn themselves! The truly positive & productive keep on doing what they do! It is a game of strategy & balance knowing when to toot your horn at the right time. Back to helping others - when you help them feel inspired then they also will be willing to change and see the good in themselves. Just maybe, sometimes, they will give you a shout out (toot your horn).


So as I wrap up, what have you done good today? What change have you made in your self, your family, your community? Tell me! I want to know!


Mr. T. Out! Until next time be a life student! Study everything around you like it's money!!!


Amir Thornell
The Life Student
thelifestudentblog1@gmail.com



GET DOWN says, the most positive thing you can do, starts with loving yourself enough to get tested.


We at GET DOWN look forward to more from “The Life Student”. What are your thoughts??


Email us: getdownpsa2008@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/getdownpsa
www.facebook.com/getdownpsa
www.twitter.com/getdownpsa

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL: THE OTHER CITY

If you are going to Tribeca Film Festival this year, check out The Other City, a documentary film directed by Susan Koch, an Emmy- and Peabody-winning filmmaker and produced by Sheila C. Johnson, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

ABOUT THE FILM
In every city, there's another city that people rarely ever see.

But this other city isn't just anywhere -- it's in the capital of the most powerful country in the world. This is a story about sex and drugs, homelessness and health care. About politics and ideology, corruption and bureaucracy. About an epidemic that grew out of control while few people paid any attention or cared. This is a story about people who live in the shadow of the Capitol but remain almost invisible to the lawmakers and lobbyists who work there. This is the story of The Other City -- "Washington" to most, "D.C." to its residents -- a city that boasts a higher rate of HIV/AIDS than some countries in Africa and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Told through intimate, character-driven stories, and with unprecedented access to those living on the front lines of the AIDS epidemic, this documentary offers a raw, personal look at the "two Washingtons" -- one that is affluent and powerful, the other that is overwhelmingly poor and powerless. And while Washington D.C. has highest HIV/AIDS rates in the U.S., there are several cities across America that are also dealing with epidemic-like numbers.

With a disease that knows no borders, The Other City will resonate with a worldwide audience and speak to the disparities and inequities that exist in cities all over the world.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
www.theothercity.com

SHOWTIMES:
Mon, Apr 26, 4:30PM SVA Theater 2
Tue, Apr 27, 3:00PM Clearview Chelsea Cinema 7
Thu, Apr 29, 6:30PM Village East Cinema 6
Sat, May 01, 11:45AM Village East Cinema 2

TICKETS:
http://www.tribecafilm.com/filmguide/other_city-film30298.html

LINK TO TRAILER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocOxK5exmOw

INTRODUCING STEFANI VARA

In an age when so many pop stars are made – through undue hype – it is refreshing to find Stefani Vara, a fan of music who backs up her lifelong desire to sing with a voice so sweet you’ll wonder why she didn’t decide to become a performer until she reached high school. Vara – whose motto is “Live the life you want. You’re the creator of your destiny," Vara took destiny into her hands, by putting together several shows. “I was a big fan of live music,” Vara said. It was then that destiny paid her a visit. She met Siri Music CEO Chauncy Jackson. A single spin of “Lately,” produced by the Insomniax (JoJo, Bobby Valentino) \from her forthcoming Siri Music debut, Storybook Diaries, makes it clear that her career is destined for greatness. Vara was also the 2008 face of Southpole Footwear. Stefani Vara’s talent, hard work, and determination, combined with a sparkling personality and exotic beauty have brought her to the cusp of stardom, but it is her songs – rich, literate, melodic, and excruciatingly catch – that will propel her to stardom.

LINK TO CLIP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPyxO6P4CvM



Stefani Vara lent her time and voice to the GET DOWN PSA and movement. We look forward to more from this emerging talent.

GET DOWN WITH FACES AT AIDS WALK

Click on flyer image to enlarge.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

According to the most recent CDC report, released in 2009, as of 2007 African Americans accounted for the majority of the estimated number of AIDS diagnoses made during 2007. In the Northeast, Midwest the African Americans were over 46% of diagnoses and in the South, 61%.

*Source: CDC. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, 2007. Vol. 19. Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC: 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/ hiv/topics/surveillance/resources/ reports/2007report/default.htm.

The Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), populations of 50,000 or more*, that have the highest number of reported AIDS cases were New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, DC and Philadelphia. The MSAs with the highest rates (per 100,000) of reported AIDS cases were Miami, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Washington, DC and Baltimore.

Cities that were above the national average of 12.7 cases per 100,000* are Baltimore (29.6), Baton Rouge (31.4), Bridgeport/Stamford/Norwalk (15.6), Cape Coral/Ft. Meyers (14.2), Charleston-NC/SC (15.7), Chicago (13.2), Columbia (25.3), Dallas (13.1), El Paso (18.4), Harrisburg/Carlisle (14.7), Hartford (17.0), Houston (17.0), Jackson (26.0), Jacksonville (23.1), Kansas City (15.0), Lakeland (13.4), Las Vegas (15.1), Los Angeles (15.0), Louisville (14.3), Memphis (19.9), Miami (33.1.), Nashville (14.7), New Haven (16.8), New Orleans (31.5.), New York (27.1), Orlando (22.7), Philadelphia (21.9), Raleigh (14.6), San Diego (16.1), San Francisco (26.0), San Juan, PR (22.7), Springfield (15.5), Tampa-St. Pete (17.2), VA Beach/Norfolk/Newport News (12.7), Washington, DC (30.5).

Email us: getdownpsa2008@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/getdownpsa
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www.twitter.com/getdownpsa

INTRODUCING GET DOWN BLOGGER: AMIR THORNELL

Amir Thornell describes himself as "Son of preacher, father, social worker, artist, filmmaker, Hip-Hop & youth activist...". Amir is passionate about youth & their progress. Having had life coaches who guided him early in life, he realized that as an adult he wanted to do the same. His life mission is to give back to his community starting with young people of color, which he has done for almost 20 years. Says Amir, "From camp kids becoming leaders in Washington, DC, to homeless gay kids going to college in NYC, I think I have inspired them as they have inspired me!"

Amir will be contributing a blog series he calls “The Life Student”. “Your job, all of us, is to learn and to explore”, says Amir, “so join me, Amir Thornell, as we journey together! You have a question? Tell me a little about yourself, and the answer is in your past, present, or future! The “Life Student” is passionate, productive, and purposeful!”

Amir Thornell
The Life Student

thelifestudentblog1@gmail.com


Well said Amir! We at GET DOWN look forward to more from “The Life Student”.

Email us: getdownpsa2008@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/getdownpsa
www.facebook.com/getdownpsa
www.twitter.com/getdownpsa

MEDIA ALERT

RODNEY CHESTER

Alex of Noah’s Arc & Punk’s

Host the screening of: For Faith, For Love; FOREVER

www.forfaithforloveforeverthemovie.com

DATE: Wednesday, April 21, 2010

TIME: 6:30pm – 10:00pm

LOCATION: The Center NYC LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13^th Street, NY, NY 10011

DONATION: $10.00 | Seat are limited, go to : www.gaycenter.org - To Reserve Your SEAT

SPECIAL GUEST: Director & Producer Nefertiti A. Strong, President of Catch A Dream Productions

Elder Joseph Tolton, Pastor of Rehoboth Temple Christ Conscious Church

EVENT: The Center is supporting a screening/fundraiser for the documentary of For Faith, For Love; FOREVER. After the film, Rodney Chester will moderate a panel discussion on “Marriage Equality and the Black Church” with special guest.

Also, Producer/Writer/Director Kim J. Ford of Lionqueen 192 Productions Inc., in association with FACES NY Inc., will preview the youth-focused 2010 HIV/AIDS PSA Campaign “Get Down”.

ABOUT THE FILM: As the presidential inauguration in 2009 came to a close, millions of people around the world witnessed a historical event in time; however, 2,500 miles due west there is division in California where the highly publicized Proposition 8 appeared on the general election ballot in November 2008. The proposition eliminated the right for same sex couples to marry, and has been fiercely debated over the past several years, Civil Rights!

The future of marriage equality was discussed during a Town Hall Meeting at First Congregational Church of Oakland, CA and documented by filmmaker Nefertiti Strong. The documentary, features Rodney Chester, the lead actor of the hit movie Noah’s Arc – Jumping the Broom, explores the debate on same-sex marriage in the African-American community and its inclusion of the black church. Despite media portrayals suggesting complete disapproval, African-American clergy strongly believe in allowing people to live “in Spirit and in Truth” in regards to their God-given identities.

For more information on For Faith, For Love, FOREVER the movie, filmmaker Nefertiti Strong, Rev. Roland Stringfellow, press, sponsorship and/or donations to support the documentary, please contact film producers:

Richard E. Pelzer II PelzerMEGA1@aol.com or Angelica Strong movingchi@gmail.com

Website: www.forfaithforloveforeverthemovie.com

Join Rodney Chester’s Facebook Fan Page to get the up-to-date information on this project.

GET DOWN PSA 3 "Lauren"

LINK TO "LAUREN":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPbP2nDqqak

GET DOWN PSA 2 "Michael"

LINK TO "MICHAEL":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEmQ_kQRkWI&feature=related

GET DOWN PSA 1 "David"

LINK TO DAVID:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOk-N1CgwxM&feature=related

COMING SOON!!!

GET DOWN PSAs launching online WEEK OF APRIL 19TH! GET DOWN walking with FACES NY at AIDS WALK NYC 2010 on MAY 16TH! More info to come...stay tuned!