Vida/SIDA held an Altars and Candlelight Vigil in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago the evening of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. The gathering at La Casita de Don Pedro was attended by about 100 people who lit candles in honor of those who have died or are still living with HIV or AIDS.
The evening's events began with remarks by Jose Lopez, executive director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.
"We have gathered here because it is World AIDS Day," Lopez said. "Thirty years ago the world realized there was a problem and so far about 30 million people in the world have died of AIDS. It is one of the worst problems facing many countries around the world. In 1988 this community faced an incredible crisis informed by AIDS. In our community many people have been impacted and in the early years when someone died of AIDS people denied it, going so far as to close the casket during wakes, which is against the traditions of our community. When you close the casket the person who died loses their identity and connection to the people left behind.
"People in the community said that if you had AIDS you had to be gay. The problem with stigmatization was what we were facing, so in 1988 we created this project Vida/SIDA, which means Life/AIDS, with the idea to dignify those who are impacted by AIDS or who have died from AIDS. We began a process to address homophobia in our community and take ownership of this problem. Sp Vida/SIDA was created and to this day it continues to give service to the people of this community."
Lopez then introduced Juan Calderon, director of Vida/SIDA and long-time community member, who introduced Illinois State Rep. Maria "Toni" Berrios of the 39th district. Calderon announced the creation of the first Illinois statewide advisory council for the Latino population to address HIV/AIDS, other health issues and LGBT issues in the community, which Berrios is spearheading in the Illinois House of Representatives.
"This year we commemorate people who have died or are living with HIV/AIDS in the community on the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the disease," said Calderon. "We dedicate our World AIDS Day to the memory of Ms. Ketty who was a pioneer in the transgender community and lived with AIDS for many years. The evening begins by honoring St. Lazarus before naming all the people who have passed away. Addressing and ending HIV/AIDS in the Latino community is a priority as we move forward."
Community activist Ruben Feliciano was introduced by Calderon. Feliciano thanked everyone for attending and said "at the end of the day we are all in this together as a community and we can contribute to helping out our neighborhood."
Berrios said she was invited to be at an event downtown but decided to come to the candlelight vigil instead so she could be with her community. "We have to get away from the negative stigma of HIV/AIDS and in Springfield everyone thinks this disease is a gay or Black issue, which is not true since Latinos have a high rate of infection as well," said Berrios. "We need to get the information out there ... when I go downstate to request those resources I need to be able to prove to them that my community needs their help."
Before everyone made their way down the street with their lighted candles to Clemente High School, they filed into the La Casita de Don Pedro building to pay homage to the altar of St. Lazarus. Then vigil attendees headed to Clemente High School, which hosted a community reception, dinner and presentation honoring World AIDS Day.
Vida/SIDA provides free confidential HIV/STD screenings along with education, information and resources to those at risk of or living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their loved ones. It is located in the Puerto Rican Cultural Center at 2703 W Division Chicago, IL 60622. See prcc-chgo.org/vidasida/.
