Many African-Americans will wear red ribbons today when they attend special church services honoring the conclusion of Cincinnati's sixth annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS.

        The services at Allen Temple AME Church in Bond Hill and La Amistad United Church of Christ in Walnut Hills are two of 13 churches participating in this year's weeklong, citywide recognition of how AIDS — acquired immune deficiency syndrome — continues to take a toll on African-Americans and the rest of the nation.

        “You don't hear much about it. But you still have people dying of AIDS,” said Wellyn Collins, 53, of Forest Park.

        “It makes you wonder why only ... the rich and famous can afford the medication. It makes you question the drug industry. People such as Magic Johnson aren't the only (ones) infected by AIDS but they're the only people you hear of surviving it.”

        She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Queen City Alumnae chapter and a Cincinnati Public Schools teacher who attended “Breaking the Silence: Exposing the Down Low,” a Saturday workshop held on the University of Cincinnati campus.

        She and about 30 of her fellow sorority members heard various speakers talk about AIDS and how some men may not identify themselves as gay or bisexual but still choose both male and female partners.

        Mamie Harris, pastor of Emmanuel's New Mount Zion Christian Center, kicked off the workshop by leading the group in prayer. She asked them to set aside their difference and opinions about lifestyles that lead to AIDS.

        “There's one thing we have in common today,” she said. “We have all been created by the same God. African-Americans have been devastated by an illness that we once thought could not touch us. Let's lay aside our differences and focus on what can we do to make a difference.”

        Organizer Terry Payne said the specialized workshop is an indication that the weeklong attempt to focus on AIDS is working.

        The program coordinator for Minority AIDS Prevention Alliance has been involved in Black Church Week of Prayer from the start. Next year, he'll organize a training session for participating clergy members.

        Among young gay men in large U.S. cities, 3 percent of Asians, 7 percent of whites, 15 percent of Hispanics and 30 percent of blacks are infected with HIV, a 2001 study said.

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