BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield AIDS Project hosted a march today in honor of World AIDS Day, drawing activists, family members, and local leaders to remember those lost to AIDS and support those still living with HIV.
The event, led by Audrey Chavez, who founded the project after losing her brother to AIDS, began at the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield and concluded at the Arts Council of Kern.
Bakersfield AIDS Project brought together the community to honor the lives lost and of the ones living with AIDS. KBAK/KBFX
Former Bakersfield City Council member Jacquie Sullivan, whose daughter died of AIDS in 1993, attended the vigil, emphasizing the importance of keeping memories alive.
Inside the Arts Council, quilts from one of the largest traveling art exhibits were displayed, each panel honoring a life lost to AIDS.
Quilt panel of Ricky Montoya,{ } who lost his life to AIDS and was the brother of Bakersfield AIDS Project founder Audrey Chavez. Quilt panel displayed at the Art Council of Kern in honor of World AIDS Day. KBAK / KBFX
Audrey Chavez highlighted that only 14% of those who have died of AIDS have a panel made in their memory.
Two new panels were unveiled for April Rodgers and Frances Hernandez.
Quilt panels of people lost to AIDS. Displayed at the Art Council of Kern in honor of World AIDS Day. KBAK / KBFX
The Arts Council of Kern will display its AIDS quilt tomorrow, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering free HIV testing.
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For more information, contact the Bakersfield AIDS Project at 661-742-3611.