Kevin Grady at October parent forum at Normandy High. Photo by John L. White of Post-Dispatch

On Monday, November 17th from 6:30-8:00pm, Faith Communities United will convene a community forum to discuss issues related to the recent HIV/AIDS issues at Normandy High.  The event will be hosted by Normandy United Methodist church, located at 8000 Natural Bridge Road.  All are welcome and encouraged to enter into the dialogue from a perspective of faith.

Panelists include: Dr. Delores Gunn (St. Louis County Health Department), Dr. Denise Hooks Anderson (President, Mound City Medical Forum), Lawrence Lewis (Program Manager, In the Spot), Nancy Hatman (Board member, Normandy School District), Gloria Farr (Ministry Director, Normandy UMC), and L.D. McGee (Concerned Parent of a Normandy Student).  Clergy members from Faith Communities United will lead the program.

Faith Communities United, Inc. is a non-profit coalition and partnership formed by clergy, faith organizations, health professionals and advocates to raise awareness and work toward prevention of HIV/AIDS in communities…

AP Photo

The sexual lives of Normandy High School students have become the talk of the world. From India to the Great Britain, the world is buzzing with the startling news that up to 50 students in my neighborhood’s high school may have been exposed to HIV infection. While the details of how the virus may have spread are inconclusive at this point, we’re all aware, in most cases, that the virus spreads predominantly through drug use and sexual activity.

Since the St. Louis area is racially self-segregated, and Normandy High school is predominantly black, one of the most alarming outcomes could be possible stigmas connecting any stereotyped sexuality inferences associated with blacks. Let’s be clear: if the virus entered the high school because of sexual activity, this story will be one more fundamentally about adolescent sexual morality than cultural stereotypes.

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