Pitch Man is the name of a new photo exhibit at the Visual Studies Workshop on Prince Street in Rochester. It features the work of artist Hank Willis Thomas and deals with, in part, the messages conveyed by advertisements to African American men. From images like the iconic black fist to the well-known photo of "Uncle Ben" on boxes of rice-- the ads sell more than just a product. Co-curator Carla Williams joins us to talk about what these images mean and why they're often misplaced and can perpetuate negative stereotypes. Pitch Man is on display through December 9th, 2012.
Plus, the statistic is startling: in 2009, African Americans accounted for 44% of all new HIV infections in the United States. A local group of pastors, health educators and doctors wants to change this so they're holding a town hall style meeting called, "Turning the Tide Together: Addressing HIV/AIDS and Health Disparities In Black Communities." It's being held November 27th, 2012 at 5pm at AIDS Care at 259 Monroe Avenue. The Rochester Chapter of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. is hosting this meeting. If you or someone you know needs help (maybe they need to speak to someone about getting tested or need spiritual or emotional guidance) contact Reverend Roosevelt Dixon at (585) 232-1130 or Reverend Ira White at (585)266-8540.
