AIDS Memorial Quilt

Today I listened to the two part "How HIV/AIDS Works" episode on the Stuff You Should Know podcast. I found it extremely educational. There was a lot of stuff I already knew about HIV and AIDS that the podcast confirmed but there was also a lot of stuff that I didn't know! They covered everything from the history, the 80s perception of HIV, the biological/ viral science behind it, the different celebrities that have died of HIV/AIDS, current treatment and related science and just a whole lot of other really interesting facts on the topic. This podcast was a perfect refresher and educator on the subject.

To listen to Part I : How HIV/AIDS Works, Part I  

To listen to Part II: How HIV/AIDS Works, Part II

One thing that they mentioned that I had never heard about before was The AIDS Memorial Quilt.

"The Quilt was conceived in November of 1985 by long-time San Francisco gay rights activist Cleve Jones. Since the 1978 assassinations of gay San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, Jones had helped organize the annual candlelight march honoring these men. While planning the 1985 march, he learned that over 1,000 San Franciscans had been lost to AIDS. He asked each of his fellow marchers to write on placards the names of friends and loved ones who had died of AIDS. At the end of the march, Jones and others stood on ladders taping these placards to the walls of the San Francisco Federal Building. The wall of names looked like a patchwork quilt.

Inspired by this sight, Jones and friends made plans for a larger memorial. A little over a year later, he created the first panel for the AIDS Memorial Quilt in memory of his friend Marvin Feldman. In June of 1987, Jones teamed up with Mike Smith and several others to formally organize the NAMES Project Foundation.

Public response to the Quilt was immediate. People in the U.S. cities most affected by AIDS — Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco — sent panels to the San Francisco workshop. Generous donors rapidly supplied sewing machines, equipment and other materials, and many volunteered tirelessly." - Activist Beginnings, The AIDS Memorial Quilt

Since the 80's the quilt has become a massive success. There are more than 48,000 panels, it weights 54 tons and it is dedicated to more than 94,000 individuals. Isn't this the most beautiful idea?! As far as a memorials goes, I love that this one is a tangible product created by people world wide. It's sheer size helps put a reality to the severity of the AIDS pandemic.

"The AIDS Memorial Quilt is the premier symbol of the AIDS pandemic, our greatest HIV prevention education tool and the largest ongoing piece of community folk art in the world." - About the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the NAMES Foundation 

I am so glad I heard about this initiative. I love the concept and I hope they are able to continue adding to the quilt and spreading awareness. If you wish to send a dedication panel and contribute to the quilt, wish to donate to the cause or just want to learn more about The AIDS Memorial Quilt… you can do so here. I truly believe the statement "You Learn Something New Every Day" and today I am really glad I was able to learn about the AIDS Memorial Quilt. <3 WC