Essence magazine to devote profits from new subscriptions to AIDS group

Essence magazine will observe the holiday season and World AIDS Day by launching a special HIV awareness campaign, called "Our People. Our Problem. Our Solution," and agreeing to donate 100% of the net proceeds from every new subscription for the magazine ordered from November 15 through December 31 to the Black AIDS Institute, according to a press release from the magazine. Officials at Essence, which targets African-American women, say they launched the public awareness campaign based on data showing that 72% of all new HIV cases among women in the United States are occurring among African-American women. Actress and comedian Mo'Nique will serve as a spokeswoman for the campaign. "HIV/AIDS is devastating black families all over America," said Phill Wilson, executive director of the Black AIDS Institute. "There is a lack of awareness about the magnitude of the AIDS epidemic in African-American communities that speaks volumes about the low priority our government places on the lives of African-Americans. We're asking everyone to get involved and to be a part of the solution to this crisis."