Red Pump Stories: “I Have AIDS And I’m Not Afraid To Say It”

BlackDoctor.org is excited for this content partnership with The Red Pump Project to feature the Red Pump Stories, an initiative created to document the narratives, struggles, and successes of women living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. This initiative will further the mission of decreasing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, and allow us to stand with women who have experienced first-hand the impact of this condition.

“I have AIDS and I’m not afraid to say it,” said Kecia Johnson, former music executive turned HIV/AIDS activist.

In the winter of 2006, Johnson, at the age of 22 years old, discovered she was diagnosed with AIDS. Saddened by the truth, Johnson decided to hide her status for two years from her family.

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“I was determined to share my story with the world,” said Johnson after making the decision to reveal her status during a speaking engagement at Wheatley High School in Houston. “There’s women and men everywhere in the world who have a story to tell, something to share, and always something to give. In my case, I want to create change and make a difference through HIV and AIDS.”

This is the moment where Johnson saw her story develop into a message. Her connections within the music industry gave her “light” she said, and “a start to something new.” Johnson prospered in working for labels such as Def Jam, So So Def (Promotions) and Slip N Slide Records.

“I wanted to become a national motivational speaker in some way,” said Johnson. “I started my own company, Absolutely Sikning, Inc to help individuals living with HIV/AIDS and other life threatening illnesses find a better way to live a fabulous, healthy and normal life.”

Kecia’s 5 Guidelines To Living with HIV/AIDS

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1. Overcome adversities and life threatening illnesses by encouraging yourself through strength and self-love.
2. Give yourself a sense of encouragement and never feel like your days are full of vanity. Take a moment to realize the life you have and empower others going through the same experiences.
3. Stand firm and believe in your role in life. Love yourself first and empower others to love themselves despite their illness…

To read the rest of Kecia’s story and get her guidelines for living with HIV/AIDS, visit the Red Pump Project. 

The Red Pump Project is a national nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. They empower, educate, and motivate action by boldly driving conversation online and offline around HIV prevention and issues related to sexual and reproductive health. The Red Pump is a symbol of empowerment to represent the strength and courage of women affected by HIV/AIDS.