Lil' Wayne, Baby, David Banner,UGK Help Raise HIV Awareness

By Roman Wolfe

Rappers Lil' Wayne, Baby, David Banner and UGK will perform during the "Hip Hop 4 HIV - Know Your Status" concert, which takes place this June in Houston, TX to raise youth's awareness about HIV/AIDS.

The Texstars Foundation Project is hosting the free concert featuring the superstar rappers at Houston's Reliant Arena on June 30.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization created by Texas State Representative Borris L. Miles in 2007.

The organization's goal is to promote, sponsor, and assist inner city communities in developing education, leadership development programs, as well as promoting tolerance (racial and sexual orientation).

In order to get tickets to the free concert, fans must first attend an HIV seminar and get tested for the HIV/AIDS virus at local testing stations, which will be staffed with counselors and health professionals.

The event is also sponsored by local radio station 97.9 The Box and according to organizers, the goal is to test at least 3,000 young adults between the ages of 15-30, with the primary focus being young, African-American males and females.

According to statistics, African-American's account for almost 60% of HIV/AIDS cases among those ages 13 to 24.

In Houston, African-American's make up 18% of the population, but account for 54% of the adult HIV cases since 1999.