Bridging Access to Care (BAC, formerly known as the Brooklyn AIDS Task Force) was kind to honor POZ at its 2015 World AIDS Day event with an award for excellence in journalism. I was humbled to accept on behalf of POZ.

BAC also honored actress and activist Rosie Perez, a Brooklyn native, with a humanitarian award for her longtime support of people with HIV/AIDS. She gave an emotional acceptance speech that didn’t leave a dry eye.

Mistress of ceremonies was FOX-5 NY news reporter Lisa Evers. In addition to BAC staff and supporters, also in attendance at the event were New York City Public Advocate Letitia James and other local politicians.

The event was a fundraiser benefiting BAC’s supportive housing programs, which have proven vital for those who have been helped. Sa’id Abdur-Rahman, a former BAC client who went on to earn a master’s degree, gave moving testimony.

Guest speaker Jennifer Flynn, executive director of VOCAL-NY, further educated and inspired the event attendees as to the importance of housing for people with HIV/AIDS. Glenda Smith, BAC executive director, presented the awards.

I was deeply moved by the passion of BAC’s supporters for its mission, which is to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS, mental health and substance use related services to underserved communities.

Thanks again to BAC for honoring POZ and our ongoing work to serve as a mirror for the HIV/AIDS community.

Watch video of the event: