With bright red ribbons and small, white, lighted candles, about 200 people, from little children to grandparents, stood in a large semicircle Friday night to commemorate World AIDS Day at Emancipation Garden.
"I hold this candle," said one young girl, "for all the teen-agers out there who have died of this disease."
"I hold this candle for the students I teach."
"I hold this candle for my friends who are gone."
One by one, residents of all ages paid tribute to friends and loved ones, victims of AIDS.
Backed by the strong voices of the Caribbean Interdenominational Gospel Choir, the candlelight ceremony was a memorial to all who have died of the disease and an education to all those present.
Derek King, nephew of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., gave the keynote address, a forceful and moving sermon, proving himself to be a charismatic speaker in the tradition of his late uncle.
King, who arrived on the island Thursday, said the island "is addictive, it's so beautiful." However, he said, "It is not detached from the social and spiritual ills of the rest of the world."
He stressed action: "The house is on fire. It doesn't matter who did it – it's burning and we have to put it out with education."
King cited three options: abstinence, being faithful to your mate and safe sex, protecting yourself. He said to have sex with someone, not knowing or knowing you are infected, is like putting a gun to someone's head, and saying, "I'm going to kill you."
"Until we learn to live together as brothers and sisters," he said, "we will die together as fools."
He reminded everyone that the disease started out simply, as a small gust of wind can signal the beginning of a hurricane or a drop of water can lead to a flood. Just as simply, we must stop it, he said.
"When people of commitment and conscience start coming together, things start happening," he said. "Now, I am a preacher. Do I hear an amen?"
He did, resoundingly.
Yvonne Zinicola, chapter manager of the St. Thomas-St. John American Red Cross, which sponsored the event along with the Health Department, gave the welcome address. In comparison to last year's small gathering, this year's number was increased tenfold, she said, adding, "I light my candle in hopes we increase by another tenfold next year."
Also addressing the group was Yvonne Greene of the Health Department, who had some sobering statistics. The Caribbean is second in the world after sub-Saharan Africa in AIDS/HIV infection. And AIDS is the main killer of African American men and Hispanic women in the territory.
However, the group suffering most is heterosexual women, she said – there is a huge increase in the territory and worldwide in cases among women.
Congressional Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen had sharp words, addressing this year's AIDS theme, "Men Making a Difference."
"I don't usually speak this plainly," she said, "but, men, you have to stop preying on young girls. Grow up and leave the young girls alone – and get tested." She said men have to "step up to the plate" and take responsibility.
The delegate cited her experience at clinics in St. Croix where she practiced medicine, and her different perspective on the disease from her new post. She said she is awaiting congressional passage of a $300 million AIDS bill, which will include some funding to the territory.
Many local health organizations, including the East End Family Health Center and the Knud-Hansen Clinic, had tables set up in the park with World AIDS Day ribbons, free condoms and an abundance of information for the public.
Also sponsoring the event were United Airlines, Cape Air, Best Western Emerald Beach Resort, Marriott Frenchman's Reef Resort, Coca-Cola, St. Thomas Dairies, Sib's Mountain Bar and Restaurant and Polli's Mexican Restaurant.
The evening started with lively Christmas songs from the Love City Pan Dragon Steel Orchestra and concluded with the choir humming in prayer to the lighted candles. "This little light of mine is going to shine," King concluded, quoting from a Southern spiritual.
