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2001 Conference Highlights
SISTERS IN THE SPIRIT:
A Powerful Prayer and Gospel Brunch
Sunday, March 18, 2001 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Conference participants will join together for a profound spiritual communion, musical celebration, prayer and rejuvenation of our African souls. Gospel powerhouse Reverand Cynthia Graham, Asst. Pastor of the New Covenant Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida will deliver the sermon for this soul stirring event, which will feature several internationally renowned gospel artists and choirs.
INTL. LEADERSHIP AWARDS: A Tribute to Sisters Around the World Who
Are Leading the Struggle against AIDS in Africa.
Sunday, March 18, 2001 8:00 pm
The Global Initiative on AIDS in Africa and its affiliate organizations Celebrate and honor women of African descent from around the world who are leading the battle against AIDS in Africa and throughout the Diaspora. Hosted by Dr. & Mrs. Eddie Cheeks, President, National Legacy Foundation and featuring International Gospel Sensation Tori Robinson. Dinner will follow immediately after the awards ceremony.
INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE
Monday, March 19, 2001 8:00 am - 10:15 am
The stage is set for a two-hour discussion among leading women of African descent and experts from around the globe on "The State of AIDS/HIV in Africa and throughout the Diaspora." We will also discuss and develop strategies for dealing with the disparities and the declared "State of Emergency" on AIDS in women of African descent globally. The Honorable Phetsile Dlamini, MD., Minister of Health, the Kingdom of Swaziland will moderate this session.
UNITED NATIONS REPORT
Monday, March 19, 2001 10:30 am - 11:45 am
UN Officials, Governmental Organizations, NGOs, including USAID, UNAIDS, UNESCO, WHO, UNICEF, and others will report on the status of the pandemic, current programs and their success rates, immediate and long term plans and strategies for battling the disease. They will also discuss how their plans incorporate the efforts of grassroots organizations and African/African-American headed NGOs throughout the Diaspora. Director for USAID Africa. Dr. Carolyn I. Coleman, Deputy Coordinator of the Education for Development and Democracy Initiative will speak on behalf of Valerie Dixon-Horton, Deputy Assistant for USAID Africa
SISTER TO SISTER LUNCHEON
Monday, March 19, 2001 noon - 2:00 pm
Dr. Noerine Kaleeba, Phd. H. L. , Community Mobilization Advisor to UNAIDS will deliver the keynote speech, "The Impact on HIV/AIDS on Women of African Descent and How Sisters For Life can Make a Difference."
PRAYER BREAKFAST
Tuesday, March 20, 2001 7:00 am - 8:30 am
Sisters will start the day with a much needed prayer breakfast. Internationally renowned spiritual leader, teacher and missionary Rev. Shirley Payne and others have been invited to lead this breakfast. The breakfast offers another opportunity to pray for one another, for the motherland, for women and children throughout the Diaspora and for all people around the world suffering from the ravages of HIV/AIDS.
SISTERS SPEAK: Sisters from the Continent Speak
Candidly about the Impact of AIDS in Africa.
Tuesday, March 20, 2001 9:00 am - 10:15 am
We've heard from numerous individuals, governmental agencies and media reports on the AIDS pandemic in Africa. Now we will hear directly from the women who are living this reality day after day. Not only will they share their stories with us, but also they will tell us first hand what they need and how we can help. Gislaine Affana, MD will moderate this session.
SPREADING THE WORD: The African/African-American Media Responsibility
to the Global Battle against AIDS/HIV.
Tuesday, March 20, 2001 10:30 am - 12:00 noon
This session will feature a panel of guest speakers who will speak on the role of the Media in spreading the word and raising awareness about AIDS in Africa. More importantly it will speak to the responsibility of African and African-American journalists and publishers to insure that the truth is told about the pandemic. Carol O. McGruder will moderate.
Strategic Partnership: Labor, Corporate and Private Sector
Collaborations
Tuesday, March 20, 2001 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
This session will cover the critical and undeniable role that labor unions can and must play in the battle against AIDS in Africa and around the world. Working together in partnerships in the workplace, and in the communities with Corporate America and the Private Sector this is one of the most important collaborations of all.
Our Sisters Children: Caring for the Children Orphaned by AIDS in Africa
Tuesday, March 20, 2001 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Experts work to find common ground, exchange ideas, look at orphan care options, projects and programs in an effort to unify around the issue of caring for the children left behind as result of the AIDS pandemic. The moderator for this session is Mr. Mark Connelly, UNICEF Child Protection Division.
Go Tell It On The Mountain: Engaging African and
African-American Churches in the Battle against HIV/AIDS
Wednesday, March 21, 2001 9:00 am - 10:15 am
Rev. Cynthia Graham will moderate and will be joined by Rev. Shirley Payne, Rev. Ann Redding and other renowned spiritual leaders from around the world on this important panel. We all know that the church is the gateway to the African/African-American communities. Panelists will speak to the significance of church involvement and on what we can do to motivate and increase corporation within the faith communities in Africa, Black America and throughout the Diaspora.
Deadly Denial: Are Men of African Descent In Denial
About AIDS? If So, What Is the Solution?
Wednesday, March 21, 2001 10:30 am- 12:00 noon
As we head toward the end of the conference this session represents the beginning of the nitty gritty discussions that are a bit difficult to raise, but that are crucial if we intend to win the battle against HIV/AIDS, not only in Africa, but throughout the Diaspora. Moderated by Dr. Jessie Sherrod, MD., invited guest panelists include JoAnn Williams and Jackie McKissack.
NBCSL Resolutions: Black Political Community Increase Efforts in the
Fight Against AIDS in Africa
Wednesday, March 21, 2001 12:15 pm- 2:15 pm
In November during their 2000 Annual Convention the National Caucus of Black State Legislators ratified several resolutions directed toward providing assistance for HIV/AIDS research, prevention and treatment in Africa. The Honorable Henri Brooks, Member of the House of Representatives of the state of Tennessee will be the keynote speaker.
Innovative Technology Training: When Time is of the Essence
Wednesday, March 21, 2000 2:15 pm to 4:15 pm
Technology experts introduce and discuss fast-paced technology and electronic training programs with curriculums that arm and prepare women and girls with skills in as little as 18 weeks for jobs in computer repair, computer programming, web hosting and design, HTML, radio and electrical appliance repair and other related careers which can provide long-term, global, sustainable livelihoods for them. The session will also include strategies to facilitate technology exchange between African and African-American educators.
The Global Initiative on AIDS in Africa: Initiative Affiliate Foundation
Presidents Address the Conference.
Thursday, March 22, 2001 9:30 am - 11am
"The Global Initiative on AIDS", "Sisters for Life Foundation", "The Celebrity Commission on AIDS","The National Legacy Foundation", "The Ft. William Development Foundation", "The Ark Foundation", "The Economic Fund for Africa", " The Isaac Hayes Foundation" and others address the conference and reveal the strategies and goals of the Initiative. Bonnie Marshall, Director of the Initiative, will moderate this session.
The Commitment: The Role and Responsibility of Black
Executives & CEO's to The Battle against HIV/AIDS.
Thursday, March 22, 2001 10:45 am - 12:00 noon
It's simple. Charity begins at home. African-Americans can no longer afford to wait for Corporate America to help Africa or the African-American community. Black Corporate America working in concert with existing global efforts from all fronts has the power and the resources to make a major impact on the battle. African-American and Caribbean business leaders and CEO's will speak to this issue. Ernestine Bennett will serve as Moderator for this session.
On The Front Line: Physicians. on the Front Line in the Battle Against
AIDS
Thursday, March 22, 2001 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
During this powerful and enlightening session "Sisters" will hear from Physicians, Epidemiologists and Health Ministers who are on the front lines of the battle in Africa and throughout the Diaspora. Delegates will learn of the extraordinary work these individuals are doing and the realities of what could be achieved with more participation, support and funding from the Private Sector. This is where the battle starts. The moderator for this session is Dr. Nomvouya Nokwe, MD. HIV/AIDS Specialists, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Black Mayors' Initiative: African and African-American Mayors Bridging
the Gap.
Thursday, March 22, 2001 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm
For over a decade African and African-American mayors have worked together on trade, technology, education, twin-cities and sister cities projects, and on building trust between African and African-Americans. Today many of these mayors will come together to discuss and pledge a commitment to the "Global Initiative on AIDS," "The Global Initiative on AIDS in Africa" and the "Sisters for Life Foundation". Mayor Gary Loster of Saginaw, Michigan will moderate this session. Other invited mayors include Mayor Sondra Ursery*, Mayor Ron Kirk*, Mayor Willie Brown*, Mayor Lee Brown*, Mayor Bill Campbell* and Mayor Wellington Webb*.
An Evening to Remember: Gala Event
Thursday, March 22, 2001 7:00 pm
Internationally renowned Recording Artist, Activist and Actor, Isaac Hayes and Grammy nominated bluesman, Mr. Bobby Rush will appear for "Sisters for Life". Afterwhich, Isaac and a number of celebrities and dignitaries will join us for a night of dancing, spirits, romance and an unforgettable evening.
Celebrity and AIDS: Do African/African-American Celebrities and Entertainers
Have a Responsibility To Take Leadership Roles In The Battle Against
HIV/AIDS?
Friday, March 23, 2001 8:15 am - 10:15 am
Moderator Isaac Hayes will be joined by a panel of internationally renowned celebrities who will discuss the role and responsibility of Black celebrities to the struggle. During this session the celebrities will develop strategies to raise awareness, eliminate stereotypes and the stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS and global fundraising strategies.
Where Do We Go From Here? This is the closing session.
Friday, March 23, 2001 10:30 am - 12 noon
During this session "Sisters" and Panelists will focus on planning and developing the next steps, electing Board Members and Delegate Coordinators and appointing a Convention committee for the 2002 Convention.
* These speakers and participants have been invited. Written acceptance and confirmation is pending.
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