TAKING ON THE Status Quo
e are extremely proud to be able to bring you our cover interview with the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. in this issue. Although Jackson first became publicly involved with issues involving HIV and AIDS during his run for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, it was this year that he began a full-fledged campaign advocating detection and prevention of HIV-especially among African-Americans. The statistics for African-Americans with HIV infections are clearly devastating. But Jackson has specific plans to change that, as you will read in our interview with him.

l conference on AIDS that Jackson and a panel of experts were broadcast live on Black Entertainment Television in a forum titled AIDS: Ending the Silence, Ending the Epidemic. The purpose of the forum: to send a wake-up call to black leaders that new approaches are needed for ending the denial about the rampant spread of HIV among African-Americans. Using words like "taboo" and "prejudices" in regard to people's fears of being tested, Jackson urged leaders to set examples to destigmatize the HIV antibody test. He feels so strongly about this point that he has had HIV tests administered on himself publicly.

Reporter Todd Savage met with Jackson in Chicago three days before Jackson was to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, from President Clinton. Savage encountered some surprising impressions, he says, from meeting Jackson in person: "While onstage at his weekly forum he was the passionate and entertaining speaker that we all know; offstage in his office he was subdued and somewhat reflective about his years of activism and service. He's a grandfather now, and he brightened most when he talked about his son Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and other young African-American legislators who represent the next generation of leadership."

"When we started talking about his commitment to the issue of HIV and AIDS," Savage continues, "Jackson caught me off-guard by beginning to discuss people in his life who are living with or who have died from the disease. He spoke frankly about the need to abandon prejudices associated with HIV and move beyond our fears. It comes down to a simple fact, Jackson said: 'People are sick, and they need help.' And as he has said, 'Love must drive this agenda.' "

In addition, we spoke with several members who participated in the televised forum on AIDS. Each of these women sheds a bright light on a specific aspect of HIV among African-Americans, including the booming numbers of infections among adolescents and prison inmates, and each speaks with as much passion as Jackson about her view of the problems at hand.

We also bring you a report on the debate over legislation now pending in Congress that would open U.S. borders for the importation of medications—originally U.S.-manufactured, then exported to other countries—but at a lower price than these drugs are available for in the United States. With the high cost of most anti-HIV regimens, this may seem a godsend; however, there are definite caveats.

With the presidential election coming up in November, be certain to catch Phill Wilson's take on what the candidates have to offer to people living with HIV. You will not want to miss this edition of his PlusPerspective column.

And finally, check out this issue's edition of The AmFAR Treatment Insider for extensive coverage from the 13th International AIDS Conference.

As you read through this issue you get the distinct feeling that the people involved are saying "No more status quo." Yeah, we may have heard the cry before, but it never hurts to hear it again. Until next time, stay aware and stay well.