By Matt Simonette

Staff writer

Organizations across Chicago commemorate World AIDS Day with ceremonies, marches, vigils, free testing and other events Dec. 1.

The Chicago Department of Public Health hosts a World AIDS Day reception from 5-6 p.m. at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren. CDPH is launching its new marketing campaigns, “Smart Sex” and “Stopping AIDS is Everyone’s Business” at the reception, which also features cast members from the new film, “Kevin’s Room: Together.” The reception is immediately followed by the Third Annual “Gospel Shout-Out” at 6 p.m.

Additionally, CDPH and Walgreen’s locations are sponsoring several HIV testing sites all day Dec. 1. For more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/health.

Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, hosts the visual arts installation “After, Image: A Memorial for Those Lost to HIV/AIDS: at 4 p.m., and achurch4me hosts a Service of Remembrance and Celebration of Life at the Center at 6:30 p.m. A candlelight vigil and march through Lakeview follows at 7:15 p.m. Call (773) 472-6469 or visit www.centeronhalsted.org.

The Illinois Department of Public Health and Broadcast Ministers’ Alliance of Chicago host daylong HIV awareness activities in conjunction with the state’s BASUAH (Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV) program at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters, 930 E. 50th St. HIV testing is also available. Call (312) 666-0202 for details.

VIDA/Sida hosts a candlelight vigil beginning at Division and Western at 5 p.m. The procession moves west on Division to Casita del Pedro, where there will be a display of altars honoring those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS. From there it proceeds to Batey Urbano, a space for youth, where several speakers discuss the epidemic.

Better Existence with HIV participates in HIV testing locations throughout Chicago beginning Nov. 28. To find a location, call (847) 475-2115.

Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, 405 S. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park holds a Liturgy of Healing and Remembrance at 6 p.m. to mark World AIDS Day. All are welcome. Call (708) 848-7360 for information.

Near North Health Service Corporation hosts World AIDS Day activities, including HIV testing and counseling, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Komed Holman Health Center, 4259 S. Berkeley, and Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Winfield Moody Health Center, 1276 N. Clybourn.

Also, to mark World AIDS Day, the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus hosts an “Open Mic” event Nov. 28, 6-9 p.m., at Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, 1060 E. 47th St. The event, hosted by Ms. Ruff n’ Stuff, offers an opportunity for community members and artists to share their thoughts about the AIDS epidemic.

CBGMC also sponsors the Red Party Nov. 30, 8-11 p.m., at Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted St., to raise awareness and support for CBGMC’s efforts to fight AIDS. Tickets include free admission to Urbano, Circuit’s monthly hip-hop party, immediately following the Red Party.

Access Community Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital mark World AIDS Day Dec. 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m., at Mount Sinai’s Glasser Auditorium, California and Ogden avenues, with appearances by members of the Chicago Bulls and Hispanic folk and “praise” dancers and a raffle, giveaways and refreshments.

The Mosaic Initiative holds a World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast Nov. 30, 7-9 a.m., at The Abbington, 3 S. 002 Route 53 in Glen Ellyn. Speakers include Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk and Keith Green, associate editor of Test Positive Aware Network’s Positively Aware magazine. Call (630) 665-5194 for information.

“Facing HIV/AIDS,” a photographic essay by John Gevers, opens Nov. 30 at 5:15 p.m. at Meadville Lombard Theological School, 5701 S. Woodlawn Ave. The exhibit, sponsored by the AIDS Task Force of Northeast Indiana, runs through the end of January.