Congresswoman Lee Honored by the Black AIDS Institute
Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 2, 2008
Contact: Ricci Graham
(510) 763-0370
Lee Presented with “Heroes in the Struggle Award” during Annual Gala
New York – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) was presented with “The Heroes in the Struggle Award” by the Black AIDS Institute on Monday in recognition of her ongoing efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic both here in the United States and abroad.
Congresswoman Lee was honored during the Black AIDS Institute’s 8th Annual Reception and Awards Presentation Ceremony at the Lincoln Center in New York City on Monday evening. The theme of this year’s award ceremony was “Black Men Honoring Black Women in the Struggle.” Congresswoman Lee was among nine women who were honored by the Black AIDS Institute for their outstanding contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the Heroes in the Struggle Award,” Congresswoman Lee said. “It is a privilege to join the other women who are also being recognized for their contributions in the fight against this insidious decease that is ravaging African-American communities throughout the United States.
“We have made great strides over the last 20 years in combating HIV/AIDS at home and abroad,” Congresswoman Lee continued. “But the sad fact is that for 27 years now, we have failed to develop a single National AIDS Strategy to coordinate and fund our response to HIV/AIDS in America. Earlier this year, I joined Senator Clinton in introducing a resolution in Congress (H. Con. Res. 413) calling for a National AIDS Strategy, and I am pleased that President-Elect Barack Obama has endorsed the idea. I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to create and fund it.”
Congresswoman Lee's accomplishments in promoting effective, bipartisan measures to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and bring treatment to the infected have earned her international recognition as a leader in the fight against global HIV/AIDS.
As the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Task Force on Global HIV/AIDS and as a Senior Democratic Whip, the Congresswoman has introduced pivotal legislation and worked with representatives in both parties to ensure the effective adoption and implementation of laws affecting global HIV/AIDS.
The legislative actions she has spearheaded include a bill to create the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS. Recognizing the prominent role that access to medication plays in extending the lives of infected people and keeping families together, the Congresswoman sponsored legislation that allows impoverished countries to purchase generic, cheaper HIV/AIDS drugs. To protect vulnerable children and orphans caught in situations where their infected parents or guardians can no longer support them or who are infected themselves, Congresswoman Lee authored an act to provide social, educational and economic support. Most recently, the Congresswoman led a bipartisan effort which designates $15 billion for the prevention, care, and treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria.
Congresswoman Lee’s work in the fight against global HIV/AIDS extends beyond her role as a legislator. She has urged organizations and local governments to recognize the growing HIV/AIDS crisis and has met with American and foreign dignitaries to find creative and alternative ways to combat the disease. As a member of the United States delegation selected by the Bush Administration, the Congresswoman attended the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in New York. She has also participated in a number of local and international conferences such as the XV World AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, where she discussed the importance of establishing comprehensive sexual education programs to meet the needs of all people, regardless of their lifestyles.
Because of her determination in making global HIV/AIDS a priority within the United States Congress, the Congresswoman has been recognized by a myriad of prominent organizations. Among them is the Family Health International Institute, which presented her with the HIV/AIDS international service award at the Barcelona International HIV/AIDS Conference in July 2002. She has also received the InterAction Congressional Service Award for her work. Locally, Congresswoman Lee was honored with an HIV/AIDS Community Service Award by the Alameda County Office of AIDS and the African American State of Emergency Task Force in December of 2001.
The Congresswoman's dedication and history of accomplishments in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment have garnered her support and admiration in the medical, legal, and international community. She is respected as a leader who has effectively reached out to members of both parties to ensure the success of their common goals. By increasing awareness, investing in education, and looking for new methods to stymie the spread of this disease, the Congresswoman wishes to bring light to the devastation HIV/AIDS has wrought and to bring hope to the people who battle the disease today.
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