Hydeia first came on the scene in the mid-to-late 90s rocking a hoop nose ring, braids and a confident attitude about an issue that was very taboo. Well, fast forward to now and homegirl may have switched the braids for a relaxer and lost the nose ring, but her passion for fighting for HIV/AIDS survivors is as bright as the Olympic torch. So, how did this trailblazer spend National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?

Well, for starters she spent the earlier part of the day with 200 students at Winston-Salem State University giving a honest conversation about HIV/AIDS.

While she was traveling to Jackson, Mississippi to visit Tougaloo College she dropped some numbers in our lap about how HIV/AIDS affects the Black community.  And encouraged followers to tweet about HIV/AIDS Awareness day.

https://twitter.com/HydeiaBroadbent/status/431840566389653504

https://twitter.com/HydeiaBroadbent/status/431777649053421568

Three hours later she landed in Jackson. And released a personal message about what HIV/AIDS Awareness day means and the stigmas attached to it for Madame Noire.

As for fear, I can say AIDS is not the death sentence it once was. 1.1 million people, including myself, are currently living with the disease in the US and are productive members of society. With advancements in treatment and care people are living longer; I can have children without passing HIV onto my child or partner. – To see the full article click here

Two hours ago she joined a HIV/AIDS panel at Tougaloo College alongside Rev. Al Sharpton.

IF YOU BL==KED: Girl Code‘s Tanisha Long is breaking down the myths and facts on HIV/AIDS for MTV on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day Click here to read it.