Durham’s annual World AIDS Day observance focuses on building and supporting collaboration and coordination among organizations and the community to energize and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr. LaHoma S. Romocki, an assistant professor at N.C. Central University. Romocki is a two-time recipient of Meritorious Honor award from the United States Department of State for exemplary leadership for her contribution to the successful grant of more than 14 million dollars from the U.S. President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to Cameroon, Central West Africa.

The program will also include performances from De Haute Allure, a N.C. Central University modeling troupe and “Between US,” El Centro Hispano’s transgender support group.

Food and refreshments will be provided during the event, as well as free HIV and syphilis testing.

Those attending the event are encouraged to bring canned goods and nonperishable food items, which will benefit the food pantry of CAARE, Inc.