Save Africa Concerts Foundation Presents
“Beyond the Tears” Humanitarian Awards
in Harlem
MAY 19 2007
Reviewed by Joan H. Allen, Editor of the Daily
Challenge Newspaper
Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Princess Senator Florence Ita-Giwa of Nigeria, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, Minister Christine Walker, and LaJoyce Brookshire were honored at the “The Beyond the Tears” Humanitarian Award Ceremony for their work with HIV/AIDS. The event wad held on May 19th to coincide with International AIDS Vaccine Awareness Day and African Diaspora Hepatitis B/HIV-AIDS Awareness Week. The evening’s activities started with a VIP reception at Pier 2110 before a concert which featured the legendary Intruders and an awards ceremony at the Apollo Theater.
Save Africa Concerts Foundation’s (SAC) presentation of “Beyond the Tears” Humanitarian Award Concert was designed to raise funds for the SACAIDS project. Save Africa Concerts Foundation is a non-profit 501 (C) 3 charitable organization founded in 2000 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. SAC President and Founder, Hardy Jimbes stated in his opening address that he was inspired to establish the organization after a chance meeting with Winnie Mandela at JFK Airport in 1999. “During our conversation,” he said, “Ms. Mandela, said it’s time for the older generation to pass on the torch to the younger generation in order to continue the fight and stem the tide of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. As part of the younger generation, I accept Winnie’s challenge. This night is truly a momentous occasion. While we are gathered to honor and pay tribute to Winnie Mandela, we are also here to further our mutual goal of stopping the spread of HIV by helping those who are suffering under the rigors of the HIV/AIDS virus. We seek to give these AIDS victims answers, support and needed medical treatment, especially the youngest and most vulnerable ones.” Ilyasah Shabazz introduced Winnie Mandela by stating, “I’m extremely honored tonight on the 82nd anniversary of my father’s birth [Malcom X]to commend and honor another great humanitarian. You have been my idol and inspiration since I read your biography nearly a quarter of a century ago. And, as I turned those pages my heart filled with empathy and admiration of the events of your life so closely parallel those of my mother and father….Even when you could, you never abandoned your people. You never abandoned South Africa.”
Ms. Mandela expressed her deep appreciation for SAC’s award saying, “As I accept this award, I’m mindful that as we speak another child, parent, mother, father, brother and sister dies somewhere in the world. I accept this award with renewed faith and dedication to humanity.”
“The HIV/AIDS epidemic is the greatest failure of our times,” Ms. Mandela continued. “It is unprecedented in medical history. AIDS has not only become the primary cause of death on this continent but, also the biggest development challenge. That is why I have made the battle against AIDS my personal priority…It is only with the fullest support of our communities that young people will be able to change and protect themselves.”
“AIDS is spreading at an alarming rate among women who now account for half of those infected worldwide. This calls for new action on our part. It is only when women can speak and have a full say in decisions affecting their lives that they will be able to truly protect themselves,” declared Ms. Mandela. The “Beyond the Tears” Humanitarian Award brought together members of the diplomatic community, officials of the United Nations and representatives of various governments, corporations and organizations engaged in the global fight against HIV/AIDS with entertainers committed to making a difference through the power of their music.
At the VIP receptions, Lee Bradley of the intruders, Wesley Autrey, the Subway Hero and Minister Christine Walker from Brooklyn were among the special guests that commented on the importance of fighting the HIV/AIDS crisis. Mr. Bradley said, “We’re here this evening to help Ms. Winnie Mandela raise funds for the Save Africa Concerts Foundation to help eradicate this terrible disease. We’re here to lend our support in any way we can.” The Intruders’ support thrilled audiences as they performed some of their greatest hits, like “Cowboys to Girls,” “I’ll always Love my Momma,” and “I Want to Know Your Name.”
Mr. Autrey said, “I’m here to be a hero. Just as I saved Cameron, I’m here to save as many lives as possible from HIV and AIDS.”
Minister Walker focused attention on the plight of senior citizens that she felt was often overlooked when it comes to contracting the disease. “HIV and AIDS is like a double barrel shotgun. It will blow you away,” she said. “It doesn’t care whether you’re a minister, a cook or whatever. It has no name. If you’re having unprotected sex, you’re in trouble.” She warned individuals that not only are they exposing themselves to AIDS but also to other sexually transmitted diseases.
