Fight HIV in DC has been around for less than a year, but in that short time, we've become a central source of information about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in DC. While I'm pleased with the progress we've made to date, I know we still have a long way to go. I'm looking forward to expanding this site in the future, and finding new and innovative ways to reach out to the entire city.
Today, I'm pleased to introduce to you the new Fight HIV in DC Steering Committee. The steering committee will be giving me guidance and support as we move in this direction. If you're interested in being part of the steering committee, or you have other thoughts or suggestiosn for the website, please
e-mail me and let me know.
Meet our New Steering Committee Members
Kester KillkennyI am married to Shareem Kilkenny, and have two boys, ages six and three. My birthplace is Georgetown, Guyana, which is where I spent the first part of my childhood. I moved to the D.C. area at age twelve, which is where I decided to make my permanent home. Shortly after completing my undergraduate studies at Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN in 2001, I joined the U.S. Army. I was subsequently stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. After two years of uneventful service I was called to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2004 to January 2005. In 2006 when my enlistment was complete, I returned to the D.C. area, this time settling down in Manassas, VA. I’m the founder and President of My Positive Connection Inc. (
www.mypositiveconnection.com), an online social networking site geared for those residing in the D.C. Area with HIV/AIDS.
Heather DeweyWhere am I? I moved to DC last fall for school, but I don’t think I really asked this question until early March of this year when I joined a team of students organizing a “trip” to DC to learn about the local HIV/AIDS epidemic. During the trip we met with several incredible individuals dedicated to serving the needs of people with HIV/AIDS organizations like DCFightsBack! and The Women’s Collective. My eyes were opened to see this city in a real light. I came back to campus and couldn’t stop talking about DC’s need for dynamic volunteers and commitment to tackle this epidemic. I was able to bring an in-depth local perspective to students who have passionately worked to stop HIV/AIDS globally and now have the opportunity to offer this perspective as volunteer coordinator for my school’s HIV/AIDS Task Force and as a supporter of the fighthivindc steering committee. I look forward to offering all that I can to the people of this city with the hope of easing the problem of HIV/AIDS in the District.
Cedric BurgessI am a 55 years young Washingtonian, born and raised here. I’m a proud black survivor of HIV+ since the early 80’s. I have been active in the GLBT community most of my life. I am here by God’s grace. So, I serve. I am still active as a volunteer in the education, and fear fighting of HIV and AIDS. Some of these agencies are still here today. In 1987, I volunteered with the 2nd annual AIDS Walk, Food and Friends in 1987-89, Us Helping Us in 1990 to today and in 1990. I in 1990, I had WONDERFUL EXPIERENCE with I.C.A.N. ( Inner City AIDS Network ). It was truly a learning experience! I also volunteered also with the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the March on Washington in 1993. I still attend support groups and do what I can because, . . I CAN STILL DO SOMETHING !
Chris RothermelHi my name is Chris Rothermel. I live in Columbia Heights, and I'm and active member of DC Fights Back. I'm glad to be involved in Fight HIV in DC because it's an innovative way to spread health promotion messages throughout the community.
George KerrMr. Kerr has extensive counseling and advocacy experience in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. He became a certified HIV/AIDS Instructor for the American Red Cross in 1994, when he also began his long-standing relationship with the Washington Free Clinic (WFC) as a pre/post test counselor. Mr. Kerr's ongoing dedication to promoting community health has motivated his six years of service at the WFC, where he was Secretary of the Board of Directors from 1995 to 1998. Mr. Kerr was on the planning committee for the C2EA Caravan across the US March in Washington DC November 2005. Mr. Kerr currently working with DC Fights Back as the Operational Director. He also Works with Prevention Works as a Community Partner since 2006.
Alex LawsonAlex Lawson started his work in the field of HIV/AIDS four years ago at Heartland Health Outreach in Chicago. He founded DC Fights Back and steered it to become the local affiliate of the Campaign to End AIDS. He currently works at Whitman-Walker Clinic and with numerous community groups focused on HIV/AIDS in the District of Columbia, this includes the Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association’s Health Disparities Committee.
This month we begin an exciting three-part ACTION Lunch Series on Understanding the HIV Epidemic in DC. 
February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day (NBHAAD). This annual observance day was created to raise awareness among African Americans about HIV/AIDS and its devastating impact on African American communities. The day is part of a national mobilization effort to get African Americans to learn more about the threat posed by the disease, get tested, get treated and make a commitment to fight HIV/AIDS. 
