interview with RAHIM BRIGGS

i had the pleasure of speaking with Rahim Briggs and Clyde Penn, the producers of the "WHITE ATTIRE AFFAIR" in dc on july 16th and here is what they had to say...

1. How do you guys know each other?
Rahim and I (Clyde) have known each other for a number of years prior to him asking me to help out with an HIV/AIDS fundraiser that he had started, the White Party,which four years ago, came to be know as the White Attire Affiar

2. Have you 2 produced this event together for the 7 years that it's been going on?
Rahim produced the party by himself with a host of friends for 3 years. We have produced it together under the Ummah banner for the last four.

3. Has the weather cooperated with the event over the years?
We have had perfect weather every year!

4. Do you remember any embarrassing moments from the past?
No embarrassing moments, fortunately. Our supporters have been very impressed with the quality of the event and the focus on philanthropy.

5. How does it feel to have one of the hottest upscale events in the black gay community?
We are very humbled and know that God is working through us to do a great work in our community!!

6. Do you think there will be a cure for HIV/AIDS in the next 5 years?
We hope. But that’s not something we can control. What we do have control over is the ability to help change attitudes and behaviors toward this disease and to get the message out for everyone to Be Tested! Be Treated! Be Healthy! Be Safe! LIVE!!!

7. What do you hope people will walk away with after this event?
A greater awareness of the seriousness and threat this disease poses to us as individuals and as a community, a commitment to get tested, and the desire to discuss the prevalence of this disease with friends and relatives in order to stem the spread.