It was not until the early 1980s that people became aware of the deadly disease called AIDS.
According to AIDS.gov, since the first cases of AIDS were reported in America in June 1981, approximately 1.7 million people in the United States are estimated to have been infected with HIV, including more than 615,000 who have died. Additionally, more than 1.1 million people are estimated to be living with the disease today.
In an effort to educate the public about the seriousness of HIV/AIDS, this country and many others around the world observe World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 each year. The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988, according to AIDS.gov. In the United States, the theme for World AIDS Day for 2011 was “Leading with Science, Uniting for Action.”
Locally, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Nu Rho Omega Chapter, in a collaborative efforts with the Midway Congregational Church under the leadership of Dr. Larry Evans, will sponsor an HIV/AIDS Awareness Program on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Historic Dorchester Academy from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and will feature national HIV/AIDS prevention specialist Cedric Wherry.
A graduate of Alabama A&M University, Wherry is a motivator, innovator, presenter and passionate fighter against HIV and AIDS. He serves as an instructor trainer of the American Red Cross. As a national faculty HIV/AIDS trainer, he has trained many candidates across America, from California to Alabama.
Wherry, the founder of InnerVision Consulting, conducts seminars on fatherhood for young fathers, teen pregnancy prevention, human sexuality, making proud choices, parental education training and anger management. Furthermore, he teaches a “Students Teaching AIDS to Youth” program.
Wherry often is called upon to speak at school assemblies, youth rallies, prisons, churches, detention centers and other venues. His visit on Dec. 10 will mark his second trip to Liberty County to participate in an AIDS-awareness program.  
In his hometown of Huntsville, Ala., Wherry is the host of a radio talk, “Outside the Boxx,” which airs from 3-5 p.m. every Sunday on WLOR 1550 AM.
Members of Nu Rho Omega and the Midway Congregational Church invite the public to become more knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS prevention by attending their event. In addition to Wherry’s presentation, there will be entertainment and snacks.
For additional information about the HIV/AIDS awareness program, call Deborah Dawson at 368-7492 or Claudia Bryant at 369-7112.

Anderson is the author of “Lack of Knowledge” and “Dare to Soar.”