Psi Phi Omega Gazette FEBRUARY 2014 | Page 5

 “I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper” By: Sir William Dixon {National Editor & Chief} Studies show over 1.1 million people in the United States age It knows no age, no color, no sex and could happen to anyone. On February 7th, go out and get tested. Take a friend with you. Also take a moment out and pray for those that are living with it. For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day please visit http:// nationalblackaidsday.org/ There you can find other educational resources as well as testing centers near you. Regardless of the choices or Obama Pledges Gun Control 'With Or Without Congress' In 2014 State of the Union Address By: Sabrina Siddiqui {[email protected]} When President Barack Obama delivered his 2013 State of the Union address, his impassioned plea for lawmakers to vote on anti-gun violence legislation was deemed one of the most memorable moments of his presidency. That speech came just two months after the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn., and at the onset of an ambitious push by Obama's administration to advance the most sweeping reforms to gun policy in a generation. One year later, with his gun control agenda considered dead on Capitol Hill, the president used the same venue to pledge that he will advance measures to reduce gun violence "with or without Congress." who say 'we are not afraid,' and I intend to keep trying, with or without Congress, to help stop more tragedies from visiting innocent Americans in our movie theaters, shopping malls, or schools like Sandy Hook." "Citizenship means standing up for the lives that gun violence steals from us each day," Obama said Tuesday in his State of the Union address. "I have seen the courage of parents, students, pastors, and police officers all over this country For full article please visit http:// www.huffingtonpost.com/2014 /01/28/obama-gun-controlstate-of-theunion_n_4684426.html I Am My Brother’s Keeper The month of February is important for so many reasons. Besides it being Black History Month as well as the month we celebrate our Founder’s Day, it also the month we observe National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (February 7th). Interestingly, the motto this year is “I Am My Brother’s And Sister’s Keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS!!” 13 and older are living with HIV with an estimate 180,900 unaware of it and the numbers are still increasing. We all have loved ones, friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances that are dealing with HIV. It touches us all in some way. We are our Brother’s and our Sister’s Keeper. This virus is only strong as long as we remain weak. It’s time to take action. Educate yourselves on the virus. Protect yourselves from the virus. Be there for loved ones who are experiencing it. No on asked for it. the circumstances that led to it, no on asked for it. Be mindful of that.