My name is D’Jaun Black; I am 21 years old and residing in Detroit, Michigan. Currently, I am attending Macomb Community College, studying Public Administration, maintaining a 3.3 Grade Point Average. I believe that a higher education and learning is beneficial to me and my career endeavors.
In March 2004, I was referred to the Horizons Project of Childrens Hospital of Michigan, where I found that I was HIV positive. Shortly after becoming aware of my status I had doubts because my knowledge of HIV was very vague. But with the love, support, and education that I received from the staff at the Horizons Project I was able to overcome these doubts. While gaining more knowledge about HIV as well as understanding my personal status, I was equipped to take better care of my health.
Aside form taking car of myself, I had found a new interest for educating the community about STD/HIV and substance abuse prevention. With this goal in mind, after being a client of the Horizons Project and becoming more knowledgeable about prevention and education, in October 2004 I became employed with the organization. As a Peer Advocate for the organization, I provided clinical care, case management, and supportive services for youth and young adults between the ages of 13 and 24, who are in infected with HIV.
I also served as Co-chair on the youth committee for Campaign To End Aids (C2EA), motivating youth that are infected or affected by governments’ unjust assisting and prevention efforts regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic to become activists. I also support Affirmations LGBT Community Center, where I speak to the youth about sexual identity as well as risks, and HIV prevention and care, while discussing such issues as health, stigma, and injustices concerning LGBT youth, at the same time offering counseling and testing services.
I have attended various conferences around the nation, which have been therapeutic and educational. As an educator attending these conferences has enhanced my knowledge of STD prevention, clinical care, and substance abuse in other communities, giving me the opportunity to network with others from around the country and take what I learned and apply it to my community. As a person that is living with HIV, attending these conferences has enabled me to meet and interact with others nationwide who have had similar experiences, ensuring me that I am not alone in the fight.
Currently I work part time as an Outreach Worker for Midwest Aids Prevention Project (M.A.P.P.). As an Outreach Worker I educate the community on STD/HIV prevention. At the same time build a rapport with other organizations to collectively enable others to build self-esteem and negotiation skills regarding safe sex.
Who’s Positive is gracious to Ara Howrani of Ameen Howrani Photography (www.ameenhowrani.com) for donating his time in taking photographs of D'Jaun for his profile.
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