HIV Stigma in Orange County Research Results/ Grandmother of Juneteenth Dr. Opal Lee/Four Pillars of Happiness

Dr. Andrea Dunn, Dr. J. Richelle Joe and Dr. Shan-Estelle Brown completed a four-year research project on “Removing Obstacles to HIV Prevention for Black Women in Orange County.” Florida now stands 6th in the nation for newly infected cases of HIV. The three researchers interviewed 75 women and determined that stigma and socioeconomic barriers remain the main contributor to the high rate of infection. To learn more, please attend a free event offered by Let’s BeeHIVE. Queen Bee is March 8th 3pm – 7 at Ocoee Lakeshore Event Center. To register visit www.letsbeehive.org Dr. Opal Lee is considered the grandmother of Juneteenth. The now 98-year-old is famous for walking from her state of Texas to the Nation's Capital to bring attention to the importance of the celebration for freedom. The Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery was signed in 1863 but it took 2 ½ years for the news to reach Texas. Hence Dr. Lee wants us to continue the walk for freedom every year by gathering to celebrate and walk 2.5 miles to correspond with the 2 ½ years it took for the end of slavery. Tony Jenkins with Florida Blue is Chair of the Winter Park Institute. The organization brings speakers to our community such as Harvard Professor and author of Build the Life You Want Arthur C. Brooks. A lucky STAR listener was invited to attend and hear more about the 4 pillars of happiness which are Faith, Family, Community and Work