Philadelphia FIGHT and Philadelphia Black Pride present one of the most visually striking nights of AIDS Education Month with electrified talent, artistry and HIV prevention. The Summit Ball is one of the region’s most recognized house/ballroom community events, bringing the pageantry of “house/ball culture” to the stage.
“With the theme “Climbing Our Way to the Top,” we are promoting that together as a community we can reach greatness and that includes the community’s health,” says Tiffany Thompson, Director of Philadelphia FIGHT’s Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP).
The ballroom scene is a cherished tradition in the African American LGBT community. According to the CDC’s most recent study, HIV disproportionately affects African American men who have sex with men. With our partnership with Philly Black Pride, our goal is for the community to come together so that more individuals are equipped with HIV prevention information. Youth participating and attending will also have access to free HIV tests and educational materials.
Hundreds of guests will watch “houses” compete on stage for best of the ball as house/ballroom performers take to the stage to win cash prizes. It will be hosted by Icon Jack Mizrahi and the Legendary Kevin Prodigy. VJ the DJ will be on the 1s and 2s.
The ball will take place on Saturday, June 20 from 7pm to 12am at The University of the Arts’ Hamilton Hall, 320 S. Broad Street. The event is free and no registration is required.
AIDS Education Month 2015 Upcoming Events
• Gospel Concert featuring J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise. Sunday, June 14, 5 – 8 p.m., Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ, 6401 Ogontz Avenue
• The Summit Ball: Climbing Our Way to the Top, Saturday, June 20, 7 p.m. – Midnight, University of the Arts, Hamilton Hall, 320 S. Broad Street
• Hip Hop for Philly featuring Teyana Taylor on National HIV Testing Day, Saturday, June 27. For more information, please visit www.fight.org/hiphop.
• Community Cookout, Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fairmount Park, Area #2, 33rd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Educational presentations in various communities throughout the city, special events for target populations, and major outreach to encourage all Philadelphians to get tested for HIV also take place during AIDS Education Month. Over 10,000 individuals are directly reached by Philadelphia FIGHT’s efforts every June.
To register for any of the month’s events or for more information, please visit www.aidseducationmonth.org or call 215.985.4448 x 200. All AIDS Education Month events are free.
Philadelphia FIGHT is a comprehensive health services organization providing primary care, consumer education, research, and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS and those at high risk. FIGHT’s goal is to end the AIDS epidemic within the lifetime of those currently living with HIV.
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