Bebashi-Transition to Hope is commemorating 32 years of service! Join the country’s first African-American agency to address the impact of HIV/AIDS in communities of color at its annual gala Dec. 8 at the Hilton on City Avenue.
Formerly called BEBASHI (Blacks Educating Blacks About Sexual Health Issues), Bebashi-Transition to Hope was the first organization in the United States to address the impact of HIV in urban communities of color, especially the African-American community. At the time, there were no HIV/AIDS educational programs or services targeting African-Americans or other people of color. Since our founding in 1985, we have provided sexual-health education; screenings for many sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea; teen-pregnancy prevention, PrEP education and referral; and medical-case management to people with HIV and their families.
In recent years, the agency has expanded its programs to address a number of other health disparities affecting economically challenged populations of Greater Philadelphia, including hunger relief, breast-health education and navigation, and screening and linkage to care for HCV. Each year, our organization touches the lives of more than 20,000 people.
The John Blue Award was created in 1997 and is our opportunity to recognize those individuals who, over the years, have shown outstanding leadership and support of Bebashi as we address health disparities of our low-income neighbors. Previous recipients of the John Blue Award include Congresswoman Maxine Waters; noted HIV/AIDS researchers Drs. John and Loretta Jemmott; actress/humanitarian Sheryl Lee Ralph; Helene Gayle, M.D.; Sen. Vincent Hughes; actor/director/activist Bill Duke; and director/producer Lee Daniels. This year’s awardees are Jeff Sotland, owner of Tabu Lounge & Bar; longtime Bebashi board member Traci Nickens; Francis Byron, owner of Girard Avenue Pharmacy; and Philadelphia television anchor and icon Ukee Washington.
Hosted for the second year by “CBS Morning News” anchor Rahel Solomon, the 2017 John Allen Blue Awards Gala will feature a cocktail hour, a silent auction, open bar, free parking, musical performance by Grammy-nominated songstress Kelly Price; and a dance party hosted by the legendary DJ Gary O. With more than 400 business leaders, medical providers, consumers and politicians expected to attend, our gala will also be a wonderful opportunity for networking. The proceeds from the event will directly help Bebashi continue to address health disparities in our city’s underserved communities.
Tickets and sponsorship packages are available today!
Visit www.bebashi.org/gala to reserve your spot.