To End AIDS, We Need Justice

Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old black kid, walking home after visiting a friend of his father’s had on a hoodie, and some skittles and ice-t in his hand. George Zimmerman, a member of the local Neighborhood Watch, thought he looked suspicious and shot Martin dead. Zimmerman has not been charged, granted legal impunity.

Jason Russell, a 33-year-old white guy, was ranting and raving naked in public. The week before he had come under criticism due to his lead role in the controversial social action You Tube video, “KONY 2012”.  Russell has not been charged with anything, and while some are saying his outbreak shows the tell tale signs of drug use, those around Russell are saying it was a result of extreme exhaustion and dehydration. 


It would be great if such thought and consideration being offered to Russell was extended to all people in similar situations. A black or brown man found naked in public, ranting and raving, would be in jail so fast. There would be no talk of exhaustion. A white boy in a hoodie would not be shot dead in the manner Martin was killed.

As the disparity between what happened to Martin and what is happening to Russell show, we live in a country that privileges white bodies, gives them the benefit of the doubt, while black, brown and non-white bodies are held suspect, in disrespect. We see this in our systems, and yes-we see this in ourselves, our friends, our jobs, our churches and within our families. There can be no end to HIV/AIDS, or any other complex social justice issue, until all bodies are respected. We can work to respect ourselves, wait for the day it gets better, but this is not enough: 

Justice is HIV Prevention. 

Below are some interesting articles that have come in the wake of Martin's death: 

You will never look Suspicious

Living with Lynching

Galvanizing Deaths