BLACK AESTHETICS’ HONORS COMMUNITY LEADERS WITH BLACK VANGUARD AWARDS LUNCHEON:
Youth Vanguard Program Premiers Documentary Film on HIV/AIDS Among Youth in Washington, D.C.
Washington (April 1, 2008) - Black Aesthetics Institute (BAI) will host its Fourth Annual “Fundraiser & Black Vanguard Awards Luncheon!” on Saturday, May 17, 2008. This year’s event will highlight the work of renowned AIDS activist and President of Us Helping Us, Dr. Ron Simmons; television producer and President of the National Media Consortium, Ms Robyn Holden; and filmmaker and President of Park Triangle Productions, Mr. Gemal Woods. Ms. Holden, Dr. Simmons and Mr. Woods are the Black Vanguard honorees for this year’s prestigious luncheon who will be honored for their distinguished contributions to the community. The Black Vanguard Award is given to community leaders who are trailblazers and innovators in their sphere of achievement.

Beginning at 12:00pm, this spectacular event will take place at the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust located at 1816 12th Street, N.W. in Washington, DC. BAI’s founding President & CEO, Denise Erskine-Meusa, said “This year’s awards ceremony and fundraising event will be an opportunity for Black Aesthetics to exercise our commitment to community development by honoring those who give back in ways that are substantive and profound. Black Aesthetics’ Chair, Ms. Kay Sibetta, said “We are honored to have the privilege and opportunity to recognize these exemplary individuals who have consistently refused to remain silent about things that matter. This year’s theme – “Making Your Dreams Your Destiny”” - is about the notion of having the audacity to dream despite undeniable obstacles that might stand in your way.””

Black Aesthetics Institute is a 501 © 3 non-profit youth development and film production company. We are committed to ‘teaching youth the beauty of how to be’ by equipping them with the necessary skills to compete both academically and socially through media arts training. Since 2002, Black Aesthetics has been a strong advocate for developing and facilitating programs that encourage young people to have greater self-esteem and leadership qualities. We have professional artists and expert teaching professionals on staff to lay a good foundation for academic success by facilitating the building of young people’s positive sense of self and self-discipline. By exposing young people to the study of visual and media arts, BAI inculcates them with a positive attitude toward school and post-secondary institutions. Black Aesthetics teaches youth important job skills to help ensure their lasting employment and to assist with their career development and job placement within the media industry. With our dynamic mix of activities, Black Aesthetics helps to foster dialogue and awareness around themes of Black culture, media arts, literature and world events.

This event will also host the premier of “Why: The Breakdown of Anacostia” – a documentary film written and directed by this year’s Youth Vanguard Program participants. The film is sponsored by Mayor Adrian Fenty’s Neighborhood Investment Fund, the United Black Fund, the National Minority AIDS Council, DCTV and the Covenant Full Potential Development Center. “Why: The Breakdown of Anacostia” explores the viewpoints of Anacostia residents and their perspectives on the various causes and ramifications of the epidemic of HIV and AIDS in their neighborhood. The District of Columbia has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the United States. It is estimated that one out of every 20 individuals in the nation’s Capital is infected with HIV or AIDS. “I’m so proud of our Youth Vanguard Program participants. In less than a year, they have transformed into engaging and purposeful vanguards with a clear mission to enlighten and uplift,” said Erskine-Meusa.

“We are delighted that our corporate sponsors such as the Safeway Foundation and Coca Cola Enterprises have given us their full support for this worthy cause. Join us as we gather to honor these admirable individuals and raise funds to sustain BAI’s Youth Vanguard Program and general programming needs”” said Sibetta. Tickets are $50 - Semi-formal attire is encouraged for all attendees. This year’s Fourth Annual Fundraiser and Black Vanguard Awards event will be powerfully engaging and an extraordinary experience that is sure to take your breath away.

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ABOUT BAI
Black Aesthetics Institute is a non-profit 501(c) 3 youth development and consulting firm designed to encourage responsible and effective social and behavioral skills, an atmosphere of mutual respect, high expectations, and cultural and artistic appreciation among young men and women (ages 10-25) in the community.  We provide jobs and strive to motivate our youth to achieve their fullest potential through participation in our events, activities, and job training seminars in the District of Columbia and the world in general. BAI and its programs can be found on line at www.blackaesthetics.org.