October 1, 2011
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
Dear Friends and Supporters:
The Hispanic AIDS Forum (HAF) cordially invites to you join us at the Sol Awards 2011, to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the first Latino organization in the United States with a mission to respond to the AIDS crisis affecting the Latinos in New York City.
HAF created the Sol Award (Sun Award) in 2007 to honor those extraordinary individuals and organizations for their acts of compassion, courage and leadership in our shared struggle to eradicate HIV/AIDS and its root causes from our communities.
This year HAF proudly honors four outstanding individuals, each of whom have devoted much of their adult lives to fighting homophobia and discrimination and the spread of HIV.
Peter Barbosa, PhD, is considered by those who know him best as gifted with unmatched sensitivity to others. He is a scientist who studied the mechanics of HIV infection at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and is a highly regarded professor and researcher. Peter is also an award winning filmmaker/ documentarian fully committed to giving voice to those whose voices are often silenced. Peter makes a difference with a legacy of great works that inform HIV, homophobia and discrimination for others to build upon.
Mr. Daniel Castellanos, MPH, has been a proud and out queer man who has worked tirelessly to prevent the spread of HIV with unparalleled passion since his early twenties. He has committed his personal and professional life to integrating community activism, public health, and research in HIV prevention efforts. His work has been guided by his conviction that the HIV epidemic among Latino gay men could only be defeated by addressing larger social issues such as homophobia, racism, and poverty. Daniel is ever the educator, the innovator and the optimist for a better future. Daniel makes a difference by never wavering in his resolve to affirm and support gay men’s sexuality.
Mr. George Fesser, LSW, learned that he had HIV at a young age. George knowing full well that making his HIV diagnosis public would bring great personal pain and loss; he put aside his fears and became determined to overcome any trace of self-pity. In spite of HIV and the stigma that comes with it, for more than twenty years George has faced each day with steadfast resolve to make a difference in the lives of other people affected by the HIV disease by gracing them with the genuineness of his smile and the purity of his heart. George makes a difference by being true to self and those who look to him for guidance and support.
Mr. Carlos N. Molina could have continued to pursue a lucrative career as an engineer; instead he turned his passion, artistic talent, and abundant intellect to pursuing “a more personally fulfilling work helping others” as an educator and activist. Carlos contributions to the struggle against the triple epidemic of HIV, homophobia and racism can be best summed up by his persistence to speaking truth to “power”, by his insistence that the issues—simple as they may seem—be given thoughtful consideration, and by ever-so-gently demanding introspection before decisions affecting other would be made. Carlos makes a difference by always holding his ground for what he believes to be true and sharing his wisdom with unequalled passion.
Each of the Sol Awards 2011 honorees –like the Sun– spreads enlightenment, strength and sustenance for a healthy life.
Proceeds from the Sol Awards will help to support HAF to fulfill its mission of improving health outcomes for Latinos in New York City who are affected by HIV and other chronic illnesses. For 26 years HAF has integrated prevention and education into a set of multi-faceted wellness programs, offering a variety of services and activities designed to nurture our social, physical and emotional well being, while also building a stronger community of Latino gay men. We have offices in the Bronx and Manhattan, and conduct field services in Queens. For information about our services please visit www.hafnyc.org.
We truly hope that you can join us; your support is greatly appreciated. For additional information please contact Ms. Diana Velez at 212-563-4500 Ext. 307 or via email at dvelez@hafnyc.org. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ms. Daisy Rodríguez, Chairperson
Mr. Heriberto Sánchez Soto, Executive Director