Fact: African American women alone account for 60% of new AIDS diagnoses among women.

Fact: Though Black Women make up only 12% of the overall U.S. female population.

Fact: Data continues to show that nearly half of Black gay and bisexual men are living with HIV.

The facts show some very alarming information. African American women are at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. This is because there are high risk activities that African American women are partaking in.

Number one: Unclean needles use. Of course, the ideal situation is to get clean. There are various venues available for getting clean. There are clinics, 12 step programs and support groups. THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE!

Now, if you are going to continue to participate in drug use. Please at least participate in your local clean needle program. Being safe while using is the key.

Number two: Unprotected sex. Ladies, this is not the time to be more concerned with a feeling than with your safety. Studies show that when polled about why they didn't use condoms. It wasn't that they couldn't find any or that their partner didn't want to use them. It was because they prefer that flesh to flesh feeling. That flesh to flesh feeling is causing African American women to contract the virus in alarming numbers. The flesh on flesh feeling is leaving you at risk!

Number three: Getting to know information about the person they are becoming intimate with. Has this person been to the doctor's recently. When is the last time they were tested for STD's? Have they had a recent HIV/AIDS test? Failing to ask these questions is not cool. Failing to ask these and other questions are leaving the African American female at high risk for contracting the virus.

Number four: Know your worth. Know that once you have sex with this person you are giving away a piece of yourself that you can never get back. You don't have to define yourself by being sexually active. Is this person worthy of the gift you are offering them? Do you realize that you are a queen? Having sex with someone just because is beneath you. There are other ways to feel good. There are other ways to feel wanted. There are other ways to feel beautiful. Spend quality time with yourself. Treat yourself to a day at the spa (at home). Go get your hair done. Go get your nails done. Go to the mall and window shop. Start a journal.

This epidemic is spiraling out of control. If African American women don't wise up and start taking action.... We may be next on the extinction list!