Honoring Black Celebrities We Lost to the AIDS Crisis

In this thought-provoking video, we explore the untold stories of Black celebrities we tragically lost to the AIDS epidemic. Watch as we pay homage to these remarkable individuals and their powerful legacies, the cultural contributions they made, and the profound lessons we can learn from their experiences. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and moved as we honor the lives of these icons who left an incredible mark on the world.

[donaldflowers]

I'm hiv positive and it's well controlled I thank the Lord for my life and my health is good like really good God is wonderful

[domedou]

I hate aids, cancer, diabetes and other life threatening illnesses

[snirks]

RIP Hydeia Broadbent (6/14/84- 2/20/24 )an advocate all of her life after being born HIV positive.

[valeriereed]

The eighties was a tough Era. We lost so many talented people 😢

[moroccomekzh]

Jermaine Stewart not having a headstone for more than 17 years, broke my heart 💔

[tanekaday]

In 95' I received a blood transfusion after having my daughter. I had to had to get tested, and when I tell yall, waiting for the results damn near drove me mad. When I received NEGATIVE, I was so relieved. Thank GOD❤

[soniaocasio-almonte]

My uncle died of AIDS & when I tell the discrimination was real… no one wanted to help him. Because it was the 80s, ppl thought that you could catch it being in the same room. It was very sad. 💔

[kylewhittle]

To anyone who is watching with HIV, take heart. As an epidemiologist I have seen HIV being a death sentence in the 1980s to now being a liveable chronic condition which has a normal life expectancy if you remain on treatment. Get tested! Stay healthy!

[vernonengbino]

It was terrible the way the media threatened to run the story on Ashe. In today's world the media would be hit with a major lawsuit for violating Ashe's Right to Privacy.

[Godzillajeff]

I turn 60 on September 22. In October of 1990, I was told that I "tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS." An interesting good to ALL people, and show kindness in these trying times. Jeff from NYC

[Choclatekissed]

I worked at a dental office in the 90’s. We were told, by an oral surgeon we referred a patient to, that the patient had full blown aids. The assistant, that usually prepped him, freaked out when he came into the office for follow up. The office was small and I was empathetic to what the patient may have been feeling. I told her she had already assisted him unknowingly, and this time she can take the necessary precautions. She kept freaking out. I snatched his chart and said I’d do it. I did not want him to feel worse than he already did.

[neveldamouzon]

Lost my mother in 1987. (I was 7 years old) and my dad in ‘91 when I was 11. Watching your parents deteriorate in front of your face is the worst thing ever. I didn’t understand what was happening at the time but as I got older and learned what HIV and AIDS was I would cry myself to sleep thinking of the pain and discrimination I witness them go through even from family. Till this day I’m haunted by what I witnessed and even at the age of 43 I still suffer from extreme anxiety every time I get tested. I don’t sleep for days out of fear. My heart goes out to all who have lost someone due to this disease. I lost the only 2 people that loved me unconditionally and had to fight through life alone with no guidance chasing and searching for that love that only a parent could give 😢 Thank God I don’t look like what I been through ❤ 🙏🏽 for all!

[rickyejohnson]

In February of 1981, I had surgery and a blood transfusion. Very little was known about the HIV infection. I had to be tested every two weeks for two years. I never tested positive. Amen.

[MaryLou]

No one had a better falsetto than the beautiful Mr. Bobby Debarge. He had a very turbulent family life in his youth which led to his early drug abuse. Haunted by the trauma he suffered at the hands of his father he sought relief from narcotics where he may have contracted the disease. No one could out-sing him and his joyous spirit shone through in his performances. Rest easy Bobby! You are not forgotten & we will always honor your memory! RIP

[AnastasiaBeaverhousn]

Arthur Ashe doesn't get the respect he deserves!!💔😩🤷🏿‍♀️

[LettyABC]

I haven’t lost any family members to AIDS.. My hairstylist of 20 years passed away from AIDS in 2010. Cancer has been taking my family out on both sides. I gave birth to a son that had Leukemia at age 8 he had been sick for so many years before the age of 8 when it was discovered. But I thank GOD my son is 20 years old and has been in remission for 8 years now. Thank you JESUS 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[mumu]

This summer will make 28 years I lost my mother to the AIDS crisis. I thought I watch this as a form of honor. Those were tough and oppressive times for ppl of color. I miss her so very much💐

[Ariel]

My best friend passed a couple years ago from AIDS. I found out after his death that he had cancer due to having AIDS. He never told anyone that he was dying. I miss my best friend so much. 😪 💛

[regand]

Amazing theater actor, Andre De Shields has had HIV for 42 years. He's still performing and he's now 78 years old. And won a Tony for his role in Hadestown last year.
Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV decades ago too.
Two very talented black men, thank God, are still here.

[ricardojoseph]

Rest in peace to my brother. He died of complications caused by AIDS in 1988. It was difficult to witness what the disease did to him and the stigma it caused. I just hope he's in a better place, and I also hope for the best for anyone living with HIV.