I recently met this amazing woman named Suzanne "Africa" Engo at a dinner for the Diamond Empowerment Fund with Russell Simmons.

She is truly inspiring because of her influential work in AIDS activism. "Africa" founded the New York AIDS Film Festival, the first film festival on HIV/AIDS in the world, says the United Nations. She is also involved with countless other AIDS-related causes, including the D.E.F.

What amazes me the most is that "Africa" recently finished a very long run from New York to Chicago—all in honor of raising awareness for HIV/AIDS. What an accomplishment! She ran 858 miles!

I am mainly writing this to you to show you how just one person can make such a huge difference! I hope you find her story as inspiring as I have!

Go Africa!

Did you know that roughly 33 million people worldwide* have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and that 25 million people* have died from the disease?

Today is World AIDS Day and I want to send a message of awareness and hope in honor of all of the victims of this terrible epidemic.

When I was young, a friend of my mom's passed away after battling AIDS. It is something that has hit home with me and that I have grown up being aware of.

Researchers appear closer to a vaccine and the World Health Organization has released a strategy to contain HIV in the next ten years. A key part of the WHO's plan:  prevention.

Have you been tested? Are you practicing safe sex? 

* United Nations estimate

AIDS awareness is so important. I wore these bracelets made in Africa to help bring awareness...

In case you can't read the text in the picture it says: