WHEREAS, February 7, 2007, is the seventh annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, This observance is a nationwide effort to mobilize Black American communities to get educated, get tested, get treated, and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities; and

WHEREAS, African-Americans represent nearly 19 percent of all people living with AIDS in California as of November 30, 2005. Eighty percent of those are African-American men, while 20 percent are African-American women; and

WHEREAS, More than half of all people living in the United States with HIV/AIDS and newly infected with HIV each year are African-Americans, yet African-Americans make up only 12 percent of the population; and

WHEREAS, Among women, Black Americans account for two-thirds of all new infections, representing an unprecedented crisis for Black America; and

WHEREAS, The Black AIDS Institute and National Black Caucus of State Legislators are hosting community events to recognize this day and its importance to Black Americans and all concerned citizens; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting that the Assembly of the State of California joins with other state legislative black caucuses to express our strong support for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and the initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in Black American communities and provide treatment and support services to those living with HIV/AIDS; now, therefore, be it