Break'n Bred (March 21, 2009)
By Collet Muhammed
Although there are numerous organizations in South Florida offering HIV/AIDS support to the community, Kertia Marley's Float, an organization which offers HIV/AIDS education and aid to rural parts of Jamaica and Miami (read Steven Imas' interview with Kertia and Brimstone127 for more information) is one that stands out.
On March 21, Float teamed up with PATH (Preserving Archiving and Teaching Hip Hop History, Brimstone127's organization), DFYIT (Drug Free Youth In Town), the Department of Health, Green Family Fund, and Care Resources, to bring the young Miami community together with the Break’n Bred.
Break’n Bred took place at Youth Expressions. Care Resources
and the Department of Health were available to provide information pamphlets and free HIV/AIDS testing. As the founder of Float, Kertia Marley, emphasized her mission by stating, “I am willing to do anything I can to encourage the youth to be tested.”
Kertia took five minutes to speak with me about what’s involved in heading this noble educational mission.
Collet: Do you think Break’n Bred has done enough to get your name out in the neighborhood/community?
Kertia: This is our first event. We have to keep doing them to reach the youth. The fact that the kids are eager to get tested is proof enough that we are doing a great thing.
C: How far do you see Float a year from now?
K: We're looking to do more of the same thing, getting the community more involved and bringing together more of our youth for a good cause.
C: What other events do you have planned for future events?
K: We have a health fair in Jamaica planned for July and we are currently planning the next event for Miami after that one.
In addition to free AIDS/HIV testing and information booths the event included great performances from local artists Justice Crew, D-Rock, Kymani Marley, Youth Expressions and more.
I spoke with Mike Rosenfeld of Youth Expressions, Brimstone127, and Grandmaster Dee (Whodini) who gave me their thoughts on coming together for a good cause.
“Miami is the number one leader in the nation among teens with HIV/AIDS", said Rosenfeld. "It is important to come together with other organizations standing up for the same cause.” Youth Expressions (Y.E.) is currently teaming with KCA (Keep a Child Alive) which was started by singer/songwriter Alicia Keys and is doing a five city tour to New York, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Philadelphia and ending in South Africa.
When asked why they are so passionate about this cause, Rosenfeld answered, “this is an international pandemic. We need to start with educating our neighborhood and branch out from there.”
Brimstone responded, “It’s a blessing to team up with Float and others that want to make a difference”.
Grandmaster Dee chimed in, “I will do anything to keep kids on a positive path, I’m happy to be involved with the youth.”
It was rewarding to attend an event where people of so many different backgrounds could join together to help our community. The leaders of these local groups prove that they care enough to help educate and empower the youth by developing a different approach from the norm, a method that is effective and resonates with the youth culture. Congratulations on a job well done, keep it up!
If You Enjoyed This Post, You May Also Like:
- Kertia Marley and Brimstone127 are Break'n Bred Together
- La Guardia goes to Colombia: Days 3.5-4
- More Info on Langerado 2009
- LGBT Pride Miami: April 18, 2009
- La Guardia goes to Colombia - Day 5/6
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Miami needs support and this is an excellent project supported by some fantastic people.