Ledge Magazine Confronts HBCUs on AIDS

The silence among black students on HIV/AIDS is being disrupted by the new HBCU magazine, Ledge.

With the slogan "Don't Fall Off," the free, Black AIDS Institute- sponsored publication seeks to create conversation and change by offering statistics, prevention tips and other information to students of color.

"The magazine is by black college students, for black college students, and the content reflects that," said Freddie Allen, Ledge managing editor, "so you're going to see pieces in the magazine about sexuality, dating on campus and what scares students the most about unprotected sex."

Howard University alumnus Christopher D. Cathcart first envisioned the publication more than a year ago and pitched the idea to the Black AIDS Institute, of which he is a board member, as a way to connect with African American students.

"A student-driven HIV/AIDS awareness magazine is the perfect tool to mobilize black college students in the fight against the epidemic," said Cathcart, who received a B.A. in public relations from Howard in 1986.

Along with 62 ways to fight AIDS, Ledge's premier issue features exclusive Jill Scott poetry and a story with a headline on the cover that asks, "AIDS, sex and trust on campus: Where is the love?"

Contributing writers were Tameeka Mitchum of Norfolk State, Mark Stringfellow of Grambling State, Shantella Sherman of Jackson State, Melantha Murphy of North Carolina Central, Julius Jones of North Carolina Central and Allen, of Howard. Deshaderick Talbert of Grambling State provided illustrations and photography. Larissa Hale of Jackson State is listed as a contributor and Yanick Rice Lamb of Howard as faculty adviser.

"HIV/AIDS is real and it's on campus, right now, whether we want to admit it or not," Allen said. "It's not going away unless we deal with it through open dialogue and by making healthier decisions in our personal lives."

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that African Americans total 12.3 percent of the U.S. population and disproportionately account for more than 39 percent of the AIDS cases estimated since the epidemic began. Though United States data might appear bleak, they in no way compare to the catastrophe the disease has caused in Africa.

"Entire generations of sub-Saharan Africans face extinction today because of the devastation caused by this disease," Allen said. "We need to get in front of this thing now, in our own country, and be more active in helping our brothers and sisters abroad."

Allen and Cathcart, the creators of Ledge, envision their audience taking an active part in the publication.

"We want students to take ownership of the magazine and the very important roles they must play in fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic," Allen said.

Students interested in contributing to Ledge or obtaining additional information on HIV/AIDS and its effects on the black community can log on to www.ledgemagazine.com.

Charreah Jackson is a student at Howard University who writes for The Hilltop.

Posted Nov. 15, 2004