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Tuesday, March 03, 2009
My heart is so heavy today. It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of author and HIV/AIDS activist Shelton Jackson. Over the past couple of months Shelton's health had begun to decline and he lost his battle with AIDS on yesterday.
I will never forget his beautiful spirit and his amazing zest for life. I always counted it a blessing to be in his company.
I thank God for sending us one of his angels. Go home Shelton and rest.
Remembering Shelton Jackson-In The Mix With Trent
Profiles In Courage: Shelton Jackson
5 Comments:
Its amazing how God sends certain people across your path for specific reasons at a specifc time. Although never meeting Shelton personally, we shared deep thoughts, opinions, and expressions of his fight during his last days. Shelton and I spoke through myspace post and just his fight ignited my courage to continue to do what it is he does, Encourage.
I am saddend because these moments are never easy but I am made easy because his life nor his death was/is in vein.
Shelton your Legacy, Passion, Commitment to change lives on.
Committed to memory.
March 03, 2009 10:02 AM
The legacy that the young man left is so powerful! I applaud the blog for posting this. I think a lot of people, especially our young black men forget that AIDS still kills. As of late,I've learned of more and more young black men dying of AIDS-related conditions. HAART is allowing people to live longer, but AIDS can still take you out. Please practice safe sex, get tested, and seek treatment so that Shelton's death will not be in vain.
March 03, 2009 5:18 PM
Truly sad. A handsome guy he is. I've never heard of him until today but obviously he was an important person. I read some of his HIV survey on TheBody. As a young black HIV positive gay man, this makes me face my mortality (whether shortened by HIV or not).
March 03, 2009 8:49 PM
Wow! I am still in shock, he was a cool and intelligent dude. I will always remember his humor, hospitatility and heart! May you rest in peace. Your memory will be kept alive from the work that you have done to educate HIV/AIDS awareness.
March 03, 2009 9:31 PM
I only recently became acquainted with Shelton after beginning my work with the National Association of People with AIDS in Washington, D.C. He was so passionate and fearless about spreading the word about this dreadful disease called AIDS. I couldn't wait to provide him with an opportunity to promote his message of perseverance.
As another black gay man living with AIDS, our mortality is something we ponder daily but quickly disregard.
Sadly, far too many in our community continue to learn they have been infected with HIV. Far too many continue to place themselves at risk. Far too many gay men in our community continue to treat people living with HIV/AIDS with disrespect.
In keeping with the current theme of "change", it seems this tragic event begs for our community to reclaim our health. Emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and interpersonal. I have no idea when I will be called home. I certainly hope to see Shelton there. I hope that the time that I have left allows me to see HIV infections eliminated in our community. I hope people living with the disease are able to get the healthcare and treatment they desperately need to live and the love and compassion they desire and deserve to survive.
I have said it before and I will say it again. No, not just the typical party line. "Get tested, you can live with the results." But, you should get tested, you can live with the results. Not getting tested isn't going to change reality, but it might have a tragic impact on someone else's reality.
My charge to you is to grab a brother, hug him, and tell him you love him. I am speaking of that divine love that binds and heals all wounds.
Until there is a cure...
March 03, 2009 11:17 PM
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