Chazriq “Chazam” Clark gives opening remarks before the premiere of his short film, “Him+”. (Yerimiah Ruiz Evans/FAMUAN)
Two-time Florida A&M graduate Chazriq “Chazam” Clark brought the short film “HIM +” to the Hill to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS in the Black community in light of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
The film follows an African American man who grapples with the reality of HIV and AIDS, faith and identity. The film follows him through his diagnosis and the aftermath. The film was both written and produced by Clark, and premiered in Atlanta on Sunday, Feb 1. Clark brought the film to FAMU for a special screening followed by a moderated panel on Feb 4, just in time for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb 7.
The panel featured Clark, pharmacist Dr. Tian Owens and lead actor Justin Banton. The inspiration behind the film comes from the increase in HIV and AIDS numbers, more specifically, in young Black queer men and the negativity surrounding it.
Pharmacist Dr. Tian Owens, Chazriq “Chazam” Clark, and lead actor Justin Banton have panel discussion following the conclusion of “Him+”. (Yerimiah Ruiz Evans/FAMUAN)
“I wanted to create something that not only got rid of a lot of the stigma that we have in the Black community,” Clark said. “But also, just kind of shed light on the reality, the perspective that a lot of young men experience when they acquire HIV.”
The reality is that Black men experience many barriers when it comes to surviving with HIV/AIDS, and a lot of those barriers stem from the harsh stigma surrounding these diseases and how they relate to the Black community. Lack of resources, education and harsh stereotypes all play a part in the disease disproportionately affecting Black people.
“I would say a barrier is access to care,” said Dr. Tian Owens, oncology pharmacist and President of iCare Pharmacy Services. “I think once that stigma and shame is removed and know that this is not a death sentence, that you can live this disease, life does go on.”
Participants receiving free items and information from Neighborhood Medical Center before premiere screening. (Yerimiah Ruiz Evans/FAMUAN)
The project plays a massive part in dispelling the negativity surrounding HIV/AIDS in all communities, not just Black ones.
“To really extinguish some of the stereotypes when it comes to not only black men but HIV and AIDS in general,” director Creed Smith said. “Just the idea that there is still a life to have and to be lived with any type of thing that anybody might be going through.”