Jennifer Hudson's Linking W/ Christina Aguilera, Debbie Allen + Bernie Sanders For World AIDS Day Concert
Sometimes it’s deeper than rap and the hip-hop game - hence having to pay a major salute to award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Debbie Allen and the political icon Bernie Sanders for teaming up for World AIDS Day this December.
Jennifer Hudson’s Linking W/ Stars For World AIDS Day Concert
The world’s largest HIV/AIDS care provider - AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) - is putting on a huge, free concert to commemorate World AIDS Day previously observed annually on December 1. This year’s event will also mark two significant milestones - recognition by the CDC of the virus leading to what is now known as AIDS (40 years ago, June 1981) and the 35th anniversary of AHF’s launch.
In Los Angeles, AHF will host its 2021 World AIDS Day Concert on Wednesday, December 1st featuring renowned artists, OSCARⓇ and multi-GRAMMYⓇ winner Jennifer Hudson and multi-GRAMMYⓇ winner Christina Aguilera performing live, and multi-EMMYⓇ nominated comedian and internet sensation Randy Rainbow hosting the evening. Taking place at The Forum, located at 3900 W Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood (90305), the concert will be produced with longtime AHF partner, multi-EMMYⓇ and TONYⓇ winner Debbie Allen, and also feature a performance by young students from her Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA).
It’s going to be more than just an appearance for Sanders. The former presidential candidate is going to receive a massive honor at the must-see occasion.
At the event, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT) will be honored with AHF’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be accepted via special video presentation. Under its “Keep the Promise!” banner, AHF will also acknowledge progress made in the global fight against HIV and AIDS and continue to raise awareness about “The Other Pandemic” as a reminder of the significant work still to be done on HIV/AIDS.
Debbie Allen Speaks On This Event’s Importance
Actress Debbie Allen has already issued a statement about this event’s importance. She focused on how much World AIDS Day personally means to her.
"“The effects of the AIDS epidemic are very personal for me, as I had many friends and loved ones who passed away from this deadly virus. World AIDS Day allows me to celebrate those lives lost and commemorate their various contributions not only to our personal relationships but also to film, television, dance, and more,” said Debbie Allen. “Having a longstanding partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a prime example of how community should support and uplift one another. It is crucial for us to understand that this fight is far from over. Forty years ago, AIDS was first recognized by the CDC, and 40 years later we have lost millions of lives. I'm committed to continue to do my part in bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS, and I encourage you to do the same."
AHF President Discusses This Year’s Importance
This year also marks the 40th anniversary since the first case of AIDS. AHF president Michael Weinstein has shared his thoughts on this massive milestone.
“World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for us to mourn and mark this somber forty-year milestone,” said Michael Weinstein, president of AHF. “However, 2021 also marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of what has become today’s AHF. From providing compassionate AIDS hospice care in those darkest early days to growing to become the largest global AIDS organization today, now providing lifesaving care and treatment to more than 1.6 million people around the globe. As we mark and mourn, we also celebrate all those who help make today’s AHF possible: our staff, Board, affiliate organizations and affinity groups, friends, family and wonderful community partners like Debbie Allen, but most of all, our clients and patients—with our 2021 World AIDS Day event. We are excited to present what we expect to be knockout performances by Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, students from Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy and honoring Senator Bernie Sanders, among others.”
Jennifer Hudson Remembers Aretha Franklin
Jennifer Hudson has had a jam-packed 2021. This past summer, the iconic performer played the role of late music mogul Aretha Franklin and shared a throwback moment of her alongside the Queen of Soul.
“In honor of Premiere Day! This is the first time I met @arethafranklin in 2004. I got to open her show that night ! I’ll never forget it. Thank u @jeremylawsonphotographyfor capturing this life changing moment. #arethafranklin#respectmovie”
