Despite a recent move from President Donald Trump’s administration to stop commemorating World AIDS Day in the United States, one of Los Angeles’ largest commemorative events will continue tonight.
Back for its 32nd year, Noche de las Memorias will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Wall Las Memorias’ Aids Monument in Lincoln Heights to “bring together community members for remembrance, music, prayer,” according to the event website.
During a candlelight ceremony, the names of 36 people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses and have been newly inscribed on the monument will be unveiled. Families of those who have died from HIV/AIDS will also be present to give testimonials throughout the night.
The event will be hosted by Fox 11’s Laura Diaz and also feature a performance by Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles. The event is free, but registration is recommended.
Trump administration ends federal World AIDS Day recognition
Dec. 1 has been commemorated as World AIDS Day, a day to mourn those who have died from the disease and raise awareness for the epidemic, since 1988.
Last month, the State Department instructed employees and grantees not to use U.S. government funds to commemorate the day as part of a broader policy “to refrain from messaging on any commemorative days, including World AIDS Day,” according to The New York Times.
California takes the lead in recognition
Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation officially recognizing Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day in the state for the first time. In the proclamation, Newsom addressed the government’s inaction during the early days of the disease that led to thousands of deaths across the U.S.
“This year, with the federal government pointedly not acknowledging World AIDS Day, we face a jarring return to that dangerous silence – and this follows funding freezes that are expected to result in millions of additional cases of AIDS globally,” the proclamation reads. “California will not be silent.”
For The Wall Las Memorias, the day also marks the anniversary of the organization’s founding. Since 1993, the community health and wellness organization has served Latino, LGBTQ and other underserved populations through advocacy and education, including substance abuse prevention, mental health stigma reduction and community building.
This year’s event, “highlights the urgent need to restore HIV testing, prevention, and education services after recent federal funding cuts that disproportionately affect underserved communities in Los Angeles,” according to its website.
Event details
When: Monday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Plaza de La Raza, located at 3540 N Mission Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90031
What to expect: A free outdoor event featuring prayer, family testimonials, a candlelight vigil and performances by Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles.
