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AHF To Commemorate MLK Holiday at Parades and Through Free HIV Testing Events Across The Country

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AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is proud to commemorate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observed on January 15 by participating in MLK parades and hosting free HIV awareness and testing events in more than a dozen U.S. cities across the country, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Baton Rouge, LA; Dayton and Cleveland, OH; Biloxi and Jackson, MS; Greensboro and Winston-Salem, NC; New York, NY; Columbia and Holly Hill, SC; and Dallas and Ft. Worth, TX.

The full list of AHF’s MLK Day activities can be found at www.AHFParticipate.org

AHF kicked off the new year by dedicating its 2018 Rose Parade float to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of MLK. King was fatally shot at age 39 by escaped fugitive James Early Ray on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. AHF’s 55-foot-long float recreated the “Stone of Hope” granite statue of MLK that is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL that King, Congressman John Lewis and other civil rights activists attempted to march across on March 9, 1965 before they were attacked by armed policemen in what came to be known as “Bloody Sunday.”

This year’s float riders included AHF Keep The Promise Youth Essay Contest Winners Lilia ‘Sweet Lily’ King (Tallahassee, FL) and Kibiriti Majuto (Charlottesville, VA); Rev. Kelvin Sauls, Senior Pastor, Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles and member of AHF’s Board of Directors; Susan Bro, mother of Heather Heyer, who was killed in Charlottesville, VA during a protest against an organized white supremacist demonstration; Alfred Wilson, co-founder and executive director of the Heather Heyer Foundation; and Cynthia Davis, MPH, Chair of AHF’s Board of Directors, who was interviewed by KTLA’s Gayle Anderson about this year’s float. Each Keep The Promise Youth Essay Contest winner received a $5,000 scholarship or grant for community projects; the two runners-up, received $1,000 grants from the Heather Heyer Foundation.

“As we honor the contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy that has inspired social movements around the world, we also remember the many others who have also lost their lives standing against hate and bigotry, including Heather Heyer who was killed during the horrifying white supremacist demonstration in Charlottesville last August,” said AHF President Michael Weinstein. “In cities across the country, we’re proud to march alongside activists and community leaders who are committed to seeing the full realization of Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality in our nation today.”

As African American and Latino communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS in the United States, AHF advocates and its MLK parade contingents will continue to promote the message that “AIDS Is A Civil Rights Issue” and that access to care and treatment for HIV/AIDS should be a universal human right. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans account for 44% of all people with HIV/AIDS in the United States, yet only account for 12% of the population. Latinos account for 21% of all new HIV infections nationwide, yet only represent 16% of the U.S. population. Disproportionately high numbers of HIV/AIDs cases among communities of color may be caused by several factors, including:

  • Lack of access to clinics for care and HIV testing, as well as to condoms and safer sex educational opportunities.
  • High levels of stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in these communities prevent people from learning their HIV status, or from seeking care and speaking honestly with their sexual partners if they know they are positive.
  • Both society and the healthcare industry have marginalized members of these communities both on account of sexual orientation and race, blocking essential treatment, care, and education for those who need it.

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LLX Collective Making A Mark in NYC

Q&A with Tyla Jones CEO of LLX Collective

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The last decade has seen an explosion in the creative industry. While navigating the rapidly changing landscape, many creatives have to adapt to the gig economy; freelancing. Creatives are always doing something, going somewhere, or connecting with their audience. The cliche, “your network equals your net-worth”, is important when identifying the rooms and spaces that generate exciting authentic connections. Especially in the city that never sleeps.

Meet Tyla Jones: CEO of LLX Collective

What is LLX Collective and what service do you provide?

“LLX is a premier event marketing, talent management and experiential agency specializing in creating transformative, luxury-driven experiences while remaining the intersection between culture, luxury, passion and purpose. We provide end-to-end services, including strategy, ideation, event production, and brand partnerships, tailored to elevate our clients’ visions. At LLX, we pride ourselves on blending creativity and innovation with a bespoke approach that connects brands with their audiences in meaningful and memorable ways. By way of creating the foundation to how culture shows up to the people, we birthed the LLX Collection. The LLX Collection is our suite of staple events that exude our founding pillars and echoes our mission within our communities.”

Tyla’s luxurious venture into the event curation space started with her putting a “luxe touch” at wedding receptions. She has since expanded her reach and her outlook on how she wants to leave a lasting expression on her specialty guest. Whether aligning herself with the local hottest spots in the city of choice, working with brands such as Tres Generaciones Tequila and partnering with cultures top influencers and makers like DJ Drewski, making her events feel like a family reunion.

Where does the inspiration come from for your collective series ? 

“The inspiration for our The LLX Collection stems from a deep passion for culture, storytelling, purpose and connection. I’ve always been fascinated by the combo of culture, art, and community, and I wanted to  create spaces that spark conversation and collaboration while amplifying the voices of the culture in authentic ways. Each series draws from diverse influences—whether it’s the vibrancy of the cities we host in, the trailblazers we feature, or the stories we aim to celebrate. It’s about curating moments that inspire, support one’s passion and purpose,  indulge the senses, and leave a lasting impression.”

What do you hope to accomplish through the series ? 

“Through the LLX Collection, I hope to create a platform that fosters genuine connections while amplifying the voices and artistry of talented individuals who are the main characters of the culture. It’s about more than just hosting events—it’s about cultivating spaces where culture, creativity, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether it’s elevating a brand, celebrating an individual’s achievements, or connecting communities, the ultimate goal is to leave people feeling inspired and enriched by the experience while creating a network of individuals to convene and grow upward together.”

1st install of Indulge NYC: with the cast of Allure and Special invited Guest

What draws you to partner with a place like Saint Lounge NYC? 

“Saint Lounge perfectly embodies the sophistication and energy that aligns with the vision of LLX. Its intimate yet dynamic atmosphere sets the stage for the kind of high-quality, engaging experiences we strive to deliver. Partnering with Saint for the 1st installment of Indulge NYC, allowed us to merge our collective creativity with their impeccable vibe, amazing food and cocktails, creating a backdrop that feels exclusive, immersive, and perfectly tailored to our audience.”

Photos of Allure Cast and Special Guest Indulge in Conversations & Cocktails at Saint NYC

How can people get on your radar for an invite? 

“We’re always looking for passionate, creative individuals who bring unique energy to our events. Staying connected on social media is a great first step—follow Founder of LLX, Tyla on IG & on LLX socials at @LuxeMonroeLLX or on our website www.LuxeMonroe.com/LLX for updates and announcements. We also keep an eye out for those who are making an impact in their fields, from creatives and entrepreneurs to cultural influencers. If you’re aligned with our values and want to engage with our community, reaching out directly is always welcomed!”

What’s next for the INDULGE series and how can people get invited or partner with the Collective?

“The INDULGE series is just getting started, and we’re excited to continue elevating the concept with even more dynamic conversations, immersive experiences, and unexpected collaborations. What’s next includes taking the series to new cities and curating events that explore untold stories, highlight emerging talent, and celebrate culture in innovative ways.”

For an invite, staying engaged with LLX on social media is key. We often share updates and sneak peeks about upcoming events. For partnerships, we’re always open to working with individuals and brands that share our passion for storytelling, culture, and community. Whether it’s sponsoring an event, collaborating on activation’s, or bringing unique ideas to life, reaching out to us through our website,  social channels or email Info@LuxeMonroe.com is the best way to start the conversation.

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