Since 2017, the Broward County Black AIDS Advisory Group (BAAG)—formerly known as BTAN—together with its dedicated community partners, has worked to bring both joy and education to families during the holiday season. What began as a local initiative has grown into a signature annual event that combines celebration with lifesaving public-health outreach.
Each year, BAAG hosts the Light Up Sistrunk Health Fair & Toy Drive in observance of World AIDS Day, continuing a tradition that highlights the group’s long-standing commitment to HIV awareness and support. The health-fair section now draws more than 1,000 attendees, offering children holiday toys while providing parents with HIV and PrEP education, free health screenings, condoms, and access to a wide range of community resources.
To encourage participation in health screenings, attendees are entered into a raffle for a chance to win a bicycle—a feature that has become a beloved part of the event’s history.
BAAG remains the only advisory group of its kind in Broward County, connecting influential community leaders, elevating HIV awareness, advocating for policy change, and strengthening partnerships among local organizations to improve HIV/AIDS services for minority communities.
BAAG’s ongoing partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale, UJIMA, AHF BLACC, Midland Cares
Flex4Medical, Be A Champion for AIDS/HIV, Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraisal & New Era Masonic Lodge No. 69 Prince Hall National Compact and McBride Masonic Lodge PHA has been central to the health fair and toy drive growth and impact.
Together, we continue to build on a shared legacy of service, ensuring that the Light Up Sistrunk tradition remains a powerful force for health, education, and community unity.
