Legacy Ladies kicked-off World AIDS Day at Crenshaw High School with presentations by world renowned physician, Dr. Michael Gottlieb and Lisa Valtierra, Advocacy Relations Manager for Abbott Laboratories. Dr.Gottlieb was the first physician to alert the world to AIDS in 1981. “During the past 20 years, I personally witnessed the AIDS epidemic mushroom from the 5 cases we reported to a pandemic involving 50 million, 16 million of whom have already died. In 1999 alone, there were 5.6 million new infections. Although a vaccine is not the only way to stop the spread of HIV, it is probably the only sure way,” said Dr. Gottlieb.

In addition to the speakers, Legacy Ladies also promoted an art contest in which the students were asked to participate by illustrating their vision of HIV/AIDS awareness. 150 students submitted posters in various art forms, ranging from calligraphy and collage to works depicted with watercolor and pencil. The top six artists were awarded monetary prizes of over $1,000 and the top thirty artists had their work displayed at the African American Museum. The top seven winners were: Lauren Lucas, Ely Monterroso, Elvia Sanchez, Blair Hernandez, Elysse Evans, Pineda Griceida, and Cynthia Jingles.