News & Opinion | Health
WURD Radio hosts Eric & Kai, in partnership with Jacen Bowman, Vice President of Philly Black Pride, and ViiV Healthcare, launch "Philly S.A.F.E." (Stay Aware, Fearless, and Empowered) February of 2025. In honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, this campaign aims to empower at-risk populations, promote HIV prevention, and provide essential health resources to Philadelphia communities.
Philadelphia Black Pride celebrates and supports Black LGBTQIA+ communities in Philadelphia through advocacy, health initiatives, and cultural programming. ViiV Healthcare is a global leader in HIV research, prevention, and treatment, dedicated to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all communities.
The initiative includes citywide bus shelter advertisements from late February through early May 2025. The campaign will culminate in a launch party, serving as the opening reception for Philadelphia Black Pride 2025.
The celebration continues the week of February 24 until early May 2025. The Philly S.A.F.E. bus shelter advertisements will continue throughout the Philly Black Pride 2025 and will end with the official campaign launch party and opening reception.
With Black and LGBTQIA+ communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, Philly S.A.F.E. is a critical initiative to dismantle stigma, promote harm reduction, and expand access to culturally competent healthcare. Their mission is to equip individuals— especially those most at risk— with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their communities, says Jacen Bowman, Vice President of Philly Black Pride. By collaborating with WURD Radio and ViiV Healthcare, they are setting new standards for HIV prevention in Philadelphia, and ultimately the country. This partnership blends media influence, public health advocacy, and grassroots engagements to drive essential conversations within any community. "Media has the power to reshape narratives, break down stigma, and amplify critical voices," says Malachi Stewart, co-host of UnPacking with Eric & Kai. The collective of Black Queer creatives is excited to launch Philly S.A.F.E. and push this vital dialogue forward. UnPacking with Eric & Kai is a leading platform for Black talk radio on 96.1 FM/900 AM, bridging the gap between inspiration, information, and entertainment. Hosted by Eric Cole and Malachi "Kai" Stewart, the show covers mental health, self-care, politics, LGBTQ+ issues, social justice, and cultural conversations that matter most to the Philadelphia community. For more information, you can contact the creatives at their official platforms. Malachi J. Stewart UnPacking with Eric & Kai, WURD Radio unpacking@wurdradio.com IG: @malachijstewart Jacen Bowman Vice President, Philly Black Pride info@phillyblackpride.org IG: @Phillyblkpride