Students, alumni and community members gathered at Morehouse College on March 18 for a discussion on HIV awareness, prevention and advocacy among Generation Z.
Morehouse ADODI hosted the event, Generation Z & HIV: An HBCU tour, in collaboration with the Bayard Rustin Crown Forum and Spelman Afrekete. Gilead Sciences and GLAAD sponsored the program and brought together a panel of advocates, health professionals, and cultural voices.
Engaging Gen Z through education and access
Organizers designed the event to engage Generation Z students at historically Black colleges and universities in discussions about HIV. They also provided tools and resources for prevention and care.
The tour brings these conversations to multiple HBCU campuses and connects students with experts, advocates and peers who address issues affecting their communities.
At the African American Hall of Fame, panelists encouraged candid discussion about HIV in the Black community, especially among young people. They explained prevention strategies, the importance of routine testing and ways to dismantle stigma.
Speakers highlight lived experience and advocacy
Speakers included Byron Perkins, the first openly gay HBCU football player, and Darian Aaron, senior director of local news at GLAAD. Other panelists included Rashad Burgess, Dr. David Malebranche, Darwin Thompson, Monroe Alise and Nina Giddens. Each shared perspectives that connected public health, media and lived experience.
A standout moment showed cross-campus collaboration. Jordan Freeman, president of Morehouse ADODI, joined Naima Starr, president of Spelman Afrekete, to introduce a speaker, symbolizing unity between the institutions and their shared commitment to advocacy and education.
“This event was an intergenerational one,” Freeman said. “It brought together students, alumni and community members to deepen our understanding of HIV. I hope students left not only with the knowledge to prevent HIV but also with an understanding that they belong to a vast Black queer community dedicated to education, wellness and celebration.”
A call to action
The event served as a call to action. Attendees left encouraged to stay informed, seek preventive care and support efforts to reduce stigma in their communities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV continues to disproportionately affect Black communities. The event highlighted the role HBCUs play in fostering awareness and empowering students.
Organizers thanked attendees and said meaningful change begins with conversations rooted in truth, care and collective responsibility.
