Iconic singer, songwriter, and actress Janet Jackson illuminated the night with a dazzling performance at the NRG Arena in Houston, Texas, during the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) World AIDS Day Concert. The event, aimed at raising HIV/AIDS awareness, drew an exhilarated and sold-out crowd on Friday evening.
Opening the show with her heartfelt 1997 hit “Together Again,” Jackson paid tribute to a dear friend lost to AIDS and all those affected by the virus. Her emotionally charged performance set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
The audience wasn’t short of star power, with notable figures like rapper Willie D of the Geto Boys, recording artist BeatKing, rapper Yungstar of the Screwed Up Click, esteemed restaurateur Steve Rogers, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump among the celebrity and VIP attendees.
Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning choreographer Debbie Allen received a standing ovation for her touching In Memoriam tribute, honoring those lost to AIDS, including her cherished “boys from Fame.” AHF also celebrated actor and activist Blair Underwood with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his relentless dedication to the fight against HIV/AIDS for over three decades.
Michael Weinstein, AHF President and co-founder, stressed the ongoing importance of the HIV/AIDS fight, citing recent challenges due to COVID-19 and other global crises. Weinstein emphasized the need for continued attention and resources, urging nations and global health institutions to prioritize the battle against HIV/AIDS.
While progress has been made with 29.8 million HIV-positive individuals now receiving life-saving treatment out of the 39 million worldwide, AHF remains dedicated to extending care to two million lives by early 2024.
The AHF World AIDS Day happening has a history of stellar performances and recognizing advocates. Past performers include Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, and Mariah Carey. The organization has honored individuals like Harry Belafonte, Debbie Allen, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and posthumously, Princess Diana, with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
As the largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization globally, AHF extends cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 1.8 million individuals across 45 countries. To learn more about AHF’s impactful work, visit AIDShealth.org, and engage with them on various social media platforms. Connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and the AHFter Hours podcast.
Janet Jackson’s remarkable performance alongside the evening’s tributes and advocacy is a poignant reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS remains crucial and ongoing.
Get Ready!
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