Millions around the world on Wednesday will observe World AIDS Day, an event that began in 1989 to promote increased awareness about the global epidemic. More than 33.3 million people around the world are impacted by HIV and AIDS, including over 1.1 million Americans living with the disease (of whom one in five don’t know it).
World AIDS Day’s theme this year is Light for Rights, which asks cities around the world to dim their lights in remembrance of those lost and in support of those currently affected by HIV or AIDS. A multitude of landmark structures around New York City will go dark this evening between 5:30 and 6:30pm EST, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the New York Stock Exchange, the Empire State Building and the arch in Washington Square Park—only after most of them spend the day lit in red in to observe World AIDS Day.
In the Washington Square Park observance, Liza Minnelli, Stockard Channing, Tyson Beckford, the Broadway Inspirational Voices choir and other celebrities and community leaders will lead an event to extinguish the lights on the arch.
Other events around the city today include:
— Housing Works’ 24-hour AIDS Vigil, beginning at12:01 a.m. at City Hall Park.
— Brooklyn Public Library will offer day-long HIV testing starting at 9 a.m.
— VillageCare Commemoration will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Rivington House, 45 Rivington St., featuring a performance by Kid Cudi.
For a more complete list of World AIDS Day events around the city, click here.
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