Youth Congress on the Hill Essay Contest Winner

Oftentimes in life we take things for granted. It is these same things that we miss the most when they are gone. This is my truth. I watched it unfold right before my eyes. From jovial, affectionate, strong, energetic, and playful to weary, unexciting, sickly, angry and most of all regretful. This was true of my cousin of twenty-two years who died on September 19, 2003 from HIV/AIDS. I watched him as his health declined, slowly and painfully watching his life pass by. There was nothing that could have been done. And he, too, knew that. “If I had only known…” “I am so sorry…” became his everyday expressions and his common way of thinking. Circumstances changed. What once appeared to him as vivid became vague, and what had been bright became dark. To him his life seemed meaningless; to me it was the exact antithesis. It is because of him and his mistakes that I learned to appreciate life. It is also because of him that today I refuse to become another statistic on an HIV/AIDS chart. Instead I’d rather bring about changes.

It is essential to recognize that HIV/AIDS is one of the deadliest viral diseases today. Ever since the start of the epidemic in the United States, it has particularly affected African Americans. In 2003, African Americans accounted for fifty percent of all AIDS cases diagnosed during the year, although African Americans make up only 12.6 percent of the U.S. population. Sadly, the increased HIV prevalence among the African American population is to some degree due to the fact that African Americans are considerably more likely than white Americans to be medically underserved. In addition, it is estimated that a quarter of African Americans live below the poverty line, increasing their risk of HIV/AIDS infection. Whether it is an income or location issue, heightened vulnerability is a fact of life for most African Americans. Some may marvel at this fact, perplexed. Some perhaps may even wonder, “What does living under the poverty line have to do with the increased risk of HIV/AIDS?” Well, the only suitable answer is “A lot.” Those living under the poverty line are more likely to face inequity. Elevated rates of illiteracy render the poor more prone to addiction and sexual exploitation.

Knowing all of this, it is important that we as African Americans find ways in which we can address this nationwide concern. The first step is to get tested. “Knowing your status” is very important. After doing so, it is then important to encourage your brother to get tested as well. Helping one another is a good way to attain absolute success in the mission to get rid of this problem that is affecting the lives of our brothers.

I think in the case of my cousin, if he had only known now, things would have been different. Being aware of what is going on in your own life, as well as in the lives of others, is very important, for what affects one, in turn, affects all. I understand now that life is a special gift which I will not take for granted. It is important to know that during the time it took you to read this essay, hundreds of thousands of lives were taken away. Why ignore the problem when you can help solve it? “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,” as Albert Einstein observed. Don’t count on others to take care of you, or even of themselves. Know your own HIV/AIDS status. But don’t stop there: Reach out to others and help them act responsibly too. We are brought up to respect the privacy of others and to mind our own business. The disease is terminal, and the biggest problems are right here in the family. Don’t watch your loved ones wither and die: Be your brother’s keeper.