AIDS activist to speak to Young Scholars about living with disease

Emmy award-winner Rae Lewis-Thornton will speak to students in the Young Scholars Program and the Columbus community about the reality of living with AIDS from 6:15 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday (7/17) in the Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St. This event is open to the public.

Since she was diagnosed with AIDS at 23, Lewis has tried to educate the public on the disease and to send a message of taking ownership over one’s body. She has been featured in various publications including Chicago Sun-Times, and Emerge and Ebony magazines as well as on talk shows such as “NIGHTLINE” with Ted Koppel and “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.

Lewis won an Emmy award for developing a television series documenting the experiences of people living with AIDS.

The Young Scholars Program was created in 1988 at Ohio State as a statewide model to increase the number of first generation college-bound African-American, Appalachian, Hispanic and Native American students.

WHAT: Emmy award-winner and AIDS activist to speak to students in the Young Scholars Program about living with the disease.

WHEN: 6:15 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St.

WHY: To educate the public on living with AIDS.