In a proud moment for AHF, our President, Michael Weinstein, was honored in New York City on November 3, 2005, at the Keep A Child Alive (KCA) “Black Ball” Gala. The recognition celebrated his more than 20 years of outspoken and consistent leadership in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
KCA, co-founded by Alicia Keys and Leigh Blake, raises awareness and funds to provide life-saving AIDS medicines to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS. This year’s gala marked the closing event of Time magazine’s Global Health Summit, which brought together leaders from medicine, government, business, and the arts to discuss innovative solutions to global health crises.
The evening was hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and featured powerful performances by AliciaKeys, Usher, John Mayer, Common, Paul Simon, Angélique Kidjo, and the Agape Children’s Choir from Durban, South Africa. U2’s Bono joined via satellite for a moving duet with Keys. This highlighted the event’s global unity and spirit.
Actress Natasha Richardson introduced Michael, describing him as “a pivotal force on the frontline in the battle against the pandemic.” She recognized his efforts to influence legislation and policy, expand treatment access, and develop programs that have transformed lives across the world. Richardson added that Michael’s leadership and AHF’s global reach have “literally meant the difference between life and death for thousands.”
Michael shared the stage with Grace Akampumza, a Ugandan woman living with AIDS who receives care at AHF’s free treatment clinic in Uganda. Once near death, Grace is now thriving, working as an “HIV Medic,” and training others—an inspiring example of AHF’s mission in action.
In his acceptance remarks, Michael expressed gratitude for the award but also reminded everyone that there is still much to do:
“AHF has 8,400 clients in treatment today in the developing world—that’s about the same number of people who die of AIDS every single day. We want to do so much more.”
He challenged all of us to remain innovative and fearless in pursuing solutions:
“Our main roadblock is inflexible thinking—be it by government, industry, or the community at large. If we cannot commit to protecting the public health as if it were our own health—which it is—then we are doomed to be defenseless victims of roving plagues.”
Michael’s words remind us why we do what we do. Every clinic, every outreach effort, every patient served reflects the dedication that fuels AHF’s mission.
As he concluded:
“Let us not look back as we do about the Holocaust or Rwanda and ask why the world didn’t act faster. We can stop AIDS. We can—and we must.”
This recognition from Keep A Child Alive honors not only Michael’s leadership but also the collective commitment of AHF staff and partners around the world. Together, we continue to change lives and move closer to ending AIDS once and for all.
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