"In 2007, " talk show host Oprah Winfrey took an AIDS test at her new $40 million South African school for disadvantaged girls, hoping to set an example to pupils in one of the world's most infected nations. Winfrey said when she opened the school earlier this week she hoped that a better education would help shield South African girls from contracting HIV. "
I think most of the people watching us around the world really don't understand the level of devastation that's going on," Oprah Winfrey told CNN's Larry King in a rare television interview Tuesday. "You have 11 million children in sub-Saharan Africa now suffering as orphans. ... They're AIDS orphans. What I realized is they're children left to take care of themselves." - CNN - African AIDS Orphans
"In 1984, at the age of 22, I moved to San Francisco. During this time period, I could often be found in "The Trocadero," "The End Up," "Buzzby's," "DV8," and various other night clubs. San Francisco's night club scene was "off the hook." Everyone was having a good time. Yet, as the years past, I noticed that my Discofriends were slowly missing. And when I asked others about them, ...the common response was ..."they're dead." And now, at the age of 48, most of my friends are no longer here. Most have died of HIV/AIDS, or complications of the AIDS pandemic."
The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 19 consecutive seasons*. Produced by her own production company, Harpo Productions, Inc., the show is seen by an estimated 49 million viewers a week in the United States** and is broadcast internationally in 122 countries. " - www.oprah.com
" The Chicago Tribune recently reported that AIDS is the number one cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. Once again, AIDS is on the rise in the United States and around the world. More women, more college students and more people over the age of 50 are at greater risk than ever before. It's really something you need to know about."
My Mother always says: "If you want something, ASK FOR IT!"
14 times, I have cycled 7 days, 575 miles, from San Francisco to Los Angeles in a cycling charity event called AIDSLifecycle. In route to Los Angeles, I (and 2,000 of my best friends) cycle thru Montecito, CA. ( Montecito is the home to Oprah Winfrey).
Each Year, the locals of Montecito - Santa Barbara gather and create their own "Paradise Pit Stop" for the approx. 2,000 AIDSLifecycle Cyclist & 400 Volunteer Crew members. There you can find: chocolate bars, organic strawberries, vegan ice cream, corn dogs, Twinkies, coco cola, massages, and then some.. ... ALL YOU CAN EAT ...GRATIS!
Years ago (as I ate my strawberries and homemade ice cream), I asked several Montecito residents: "Where is Oprah?"
Responses:
1. "She is not here. "
2. "That's a funny question. . . . ."
3. "Can I be in the Oprah Magazine ?"
4. " Oprah can be found shopping in the local Montecito Von's."
5. "Who's Oprah?"
6. "Great Idea!"
As I left the "Paradise Pit" in Montecito, I thought: "Let's ask Oprah Winfrey & the Oprah Winfrey Network to join and/or support the AIDSLifecycle Family.
African Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic’s beginning, and that disparity has deepened over time. African Americans account for more AIDS diagnoses, people estimated to be living with AIDS, and HIV-related deaths than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S. The epidemic has also had a disproportionate impact on subgroups of African Americans including women, youth, and men who have sex with men, and its impact varies across the country. Moreover, African Americans with HIV/AIDS may face greater barriers to accessing care than their white counterparts.
Oprah Winfrey & the Oprah Winfrey Network focus on encouraging people around the world to live their “Own Best Life” (with vision & focus)) while simultaneously making a difference in the lives of underprivileged others.
In June 2012, I, Tony Eason, (and 2,500 of my best friends) will cycle 575 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles in the fight against the AIDS Pandemic. And as we ride past the home of Oprah Winfrey,, I invite the O.W.N to participate (in any way that they can).
The presence of Oprah at the AIDSLifecycle 2012 Closing Ceremonies would not only fuel the hearts of the 2,500 cycling philanthropists & 400 volunteer crew members - it would present a platform to continue promoting self empowerment; flattening ignorance; and providing education as a prominent African American Woman in the African American Community,
AIDS/LifeCycle is co-produced by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and is designed to advance their shared interests to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by AIDS.
I know:
1. It takes a village to raise a child,
2. You get in life what you have the courage to ask for. 3. The best way to teach is by example.
And as I prepare & train for my 15th Journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I know I’m doing the right thing.
"Today humankind has the potential to turn this planet into a paradise and live in beauty, just as it has the potential to destory itself, the Earth and all living things. At stake in this game is our own individual existence, and the existence of humankind as a whole." - - On the Warriors Path by Daniele Bolelli
An Invitation to the Oprah Winfrey Network to assist in creating a better world .... . 
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