OUR STORY AIDS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

Our Story: AIDS in the Black Community is a theatrical production composed of vignettes featuring cast of characters all keeping a secret; the fact that they are living with HIV. Audiences learn the back-story of the characters and the impact; not only on their lives, but those they love. To Millions of people all over the world live this story every day, and have been impacted by HIV in some way since the AIDS outbreak in 1981. Thirty years, it remains one of the most challenging and polarizing topics, specifically in the African American community. Our Story serves to address the topic of AIDS to begin the healing of Black communities and come together sharing information and understanding.

Playwright Larry Williams originally wrote Our Story in 2002. The play had a successful run, enthralling audiences in Orlando with the portrayals of hope, raw testimonials and familial stories of determination of those living with HIV/AIDS. Simeon Resource and Development Center for Men, Inc. and the Florida Department of Health Area 7 are partnering to bring the hit play back to central Florida June 9-11, 2023.  Serving the Orlando community as a DOH employee for 10 years, providing HIV counseling and testing, Williams changed the lives of hundreds of citizens. He was on the front line of the AIDS epidemic promoting AIDS awareness. Our Story is their story.

Ken Eulo is a theater director and Eugene O’Neill-award-winning playwright whose work has been produced on Broadway and at Lincoln Center in New York and at regional theatres.  He divides his time between Orlando and New York City.

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention’s 2020 HIV Surveillance Report, the Orlando Metropolitan Area is currently ranked number five in the nation for the rate of new HIV cases. The majority of the cases disproportionally impact communities of color, especially the African American/Black population. ”DOH-Orange has a long history of working closely with community organizations to address the health needs of vulnerable populations throughout Orange County including racial and ethnic minorities. I am delighted to serve as an Honorary Co-chair for the theatrical production of Our Story: AIDS and the Black Community.” says Robert D. Karch, MD, MPH, FAAP Director

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Tickets available through Eventbrite). Although the event is free, registration and tickets are required.

For more information contact williamslarry1688@yahoo.com or call (407) 836-6730.