My Truth

According to the congresswoman, The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program provides medications, medical services, essential coverage and completion services to those disproportionately impacted by HIV, which largely make up minorities and those uninsured neighbors across the county.

Crockett also highlighted the unacceptable disparities that exist, with African Americans accounting for 40% of new HIV diagnoses and the Latino community accounting for 25%.

“I'm proud to have supported and submitted an appropriations request that will provide adequate funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative,” Crockett said. “Those requests only represent a small glimpse of the work that my office has and will continue doing and bringing a strong advocate for our neighbors impacted by HIV and AIDS.”

The presentation of the grant cont. from page 1

Entertainer, activist Harry Belafonte was interviewed by journalist Roland Martin and talked about his mom’s journey, which was challenging. He said he came to understand her better and elaborated about the significance of counseling.

It is important and I highly recommend it.

I am also grateful that l had that “Grinch moment” because it cemented my relationship with my mother, woman to woman.

Later that year, when she transitioned, her celebration was scheduled for my birthday. I remained close-mouthed because I didn’t want anyone saying I was trying to run things. Then a lightbulb went off and someone said, "That’s Cheryl’s birthday, we need to change it.”

When I protested a change, I was told that every birthday I was going to remember “Mother.”

My response was that everyday I was going to remember her, so it didn’t matter.

As I spoke at her service, I said, “It was a Friday, June 20 when she looked at my face for the first time and here it is Friday, June 20, 2014 and I am looking at her for the last time.

My message to everyone reading these words is to reach an understanding before it is too late. Have that Grinch moment. It is a two-way street, true; but you can’t make the decision for anyone but yourself and it’s a great way to move toward healing and living a more rewarding life.

So, if your mom is alive, consider, if you haven’t already, finding out her “why.”

It could be a healing experience!

“And tell her “Happy Mother’s Day,” everyday!” was made to Dr. Phillip Huang, Director of Dallas County’s Health and Human Services Department and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

Dr. Huang said in 2021, 25,492 people were living with HIV in Dallas’ eligible metropolitan area; 79% of those were residents of Dallas County.

Reflecting on when he was in high school and throughout his early career it was a death sentence to receive an HIV diagnosis, Dr. Huang said today he is optimistic about the future for those living with the diagnosis.

“We've come so far, and that's what's exciting about now, that we have the tools to deal with this and it's not a death sentence,” he said.

Ayesha Hana Shaji is a 2022 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she was on The Shorthorn staff.

Ayesha Hana Shaji is a 2022 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she was on The Shorthorn staff.