Justin Smith

Mr. Justin B. Smith has been involved in Gay Activism since 1999. He is 28 and a U.S. Air Force Veteran. Justin was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. He now lives in Baltimore, Maryland and has worked with and for Gay Organizations such as the National Black Justice Coalition, Human Rights Campaign, Equality Maryland, Us Helping Us, People Into Living Incorporated etc. He is currently in school pursuing his degree in Communication and Journalism.

Justin B Smith's Websites

Justin B Smith's Homepage

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 Articles by this Author

Justin B Smith and Philip B Terry... Elope

By Justin Smith


When I found out I was HIV positive I felt that I would never be wanted physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. 3 years ago I met a man the way that a lot of you have met men, at a bar. I noticed his smile, his swagger, and his sexiness. I didn't know what to do with myself, except I knew I had to be honest with him about a part of me that I knew I couldn't keep secret, my HIV status.

Being HIV positive a lot of us have low self esteem about if we will ever be wanted. I'm here to tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. There WILL BE someone for you, even if you aren't HIV positive.

 


Justin B Smith and Philip B Terry
 
I have truly found someone that loves my unconditionally. Through all my trial and tribulations he has been there to help me through the rough waters we call life. Philip asked me to marry him on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of 2009. When he asked I didn't know what to say, so I looked inside my heart and open my mouth and joyously said, "Yes".

 

Ever since then we've had disagreements like most couples but it never took away from the love that I have and will always have for him. This man has breathed life into me, my heart, my soul and my mind. When I didn't want to be loved; he opened my heart, when I didn't want to have a spiritual awakening; he opened my soul and when I didn't want to go to school; he opened my mind, when I didn't want to love.

 

I can honestly say that all I want is for him to be happy and that makes me happy to be with him. Being HIV positive has nothing to do with who you love. It might change how you love but love will always be there and will be there much longer than you and I. Love conquers all, even HIV.

I love you Philip, thank you for doing me the honor of asking me to marry you. For eternity and the life after I am forever yours.

Love Always,

Justin B Smith
AKA Mr. Silly Butt

P.S. to all those reading this sorry about the noisy background it was very windy at the beach in Provincetown that day :

Dr Philip B Terry currently works as the CEO of an HIV/AIDS organization in Washington called Prevention Works

 

Administration to lift the ban on travel to the U.S. by HIV positive individuals

By Justin Smith

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated on its website last week that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could move forward with steps to change a regulation that has restricted HIV-positive people from gaining entrance into the United States.

 

 
It's it required for immigrants to be tested for HIV and under the present regulation immigrants have to be granted a waiver by the Department of Homeland Security to be able to travel to the United States.

Congress passed the policy change last summer and President George W. Bush signed it into law, but the Bush administration was unable to implement the shift before leaving office.

THE PROCESS

When the HHS publishes the new regulation in the federal register a 45-day window will be opened so that the HHS may make adjustments to the proposal and send it back to OMB for budgetary approval.

Could it take any longer?! but alas we're not done yet!
After OMB approves the regulation, HHS will again enter the change into the federal registry for another 30 or 60 day review period, and then it will automatically go into effect. Congress can try to block the change in the 30 or 60 day review period.

ARNOLD SHYTZENEGGER
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California thinks that since California is going bankrupt that he has the right to cut welfare for children and AIDS Prevention funding for the state.

California may not be going bankrupt but they are facing some major budget deficits that may be contributed to the allegation of the governor violating the system of checks and balances outlined in the state's constitution.

The California Governor has cut the noses of HIV Activist spite our faces. HIV/AIDS Prevention programs are needed to help stop HIV infections through out the state.

Think about this, Safer Sex kits can fall under Preventions programs. When people, especially poor people, need to go get free safer safe kits, which have condoms for male/females and lube where are they suppose to go? Also, Needle Exchange Programs can fall under HIV/AIDS Prevention, depending on the state. Needle Exchange Program help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS ANYWHERE.

All in all, the US HIV Travel Ban, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Child Welfare cuts are just plain wrong. There needs to be a better plan on what to do about California's budget and the United States' Government attitude towards people who are HIV positive. We need to erase the HIV stigma and stop being afraid of something there is no need to be afraid of. Maybe we should be afraid of Governor's who think they're Emperors, that think they have the right to indirectly kill people.

 

 

By Justin Smith

DC Black Pride has gone through so much in the past years. But it was better than ever this year. I personally was working on my midterms and now because of my hard work I should be getting my AA in Communications in the mail. Even though Im not done with school I decided that I would celebrate by going to the Bachelors Mill last night with my partner and a couple of friends.

I asked people at the picnic what does pride mean to them and this is what they told me

 

DC Black Pride has gone through so much in the past years. But it was better than ever this year. I personally was working on my midterms and now because of my hard work I should be getting my AA in Communications in the mail. Even though Im not done with school I decided that I would celebrate by going to the Bachelors Mill last night with my partner and a couple of friends.

It turned out to be a very nice night with no pretentiousness and surliness. My partner and I danced the night away with my on lookers. When then woke up to coffee and Bloody Marys. Next we set our sights on Darryl Wilsons Picnic which was held in Temple Hills, Maryland off Allentown Rd. There was plenty of pure love everywhere. People Ive missed and people that I always see in my day to day life. We had a blast.

My partner and I laid out a picnic blanket and laid out the chicken sauced with peppers, herbs and spices and of course fresh juicy watermelon, which made my mouth water. Even though I was literally at my computer getting my mid-terms completed I have a great time.

 

 

NAACP and NBJC Collaboration

Interview with Alice Huffman President of California NAACP

Earlier this month I had the honor and pleasure to speak with Alice Huffman, President of NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) California. In our interview she spoke of the Gay Civil Rights Movement, the Black Civil Rights Movement, HIV/AIDS in the black community, working with Black LGBT Leadership and most importantly the work and relationship with NBJC (National Black Justice Coalition) CEO and Executive Director H. Alexander Robinson.


 

On May 26, 2009 California's Supreme Court upheld the vote to ban gay marriage within its borders. This was a devastating blow to all, not just in the LGBT community but every minority in America.

The time for leadership is now, at least Huffman thinks so.

Alice Huffman and sister at Robinson-Satorie Wedding

When I specifically brought up the subject of the NBJC under the leadership of Robinson she only spoke of positive things. She emphasizes certain traits that he had when working with community leaders that no other has had, at least not in a long time.

When I asked her, what would happen to without strong leadership from strong Black Gay Leadership from Robinson? Huffman replies, "I rely on him heavily…".

"…it would be catastrophic"


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Trouble with HIV Meds Part I & II

Hello Everyone,

This is Justin B Smith from Justin's HIV Journal. As most of you can recall I was put on the HIV medication regime that incorporated Norvir, Truvada, and Rayatez, it took a while for my body to adjust to these medications.




  

The Rayatez medication made my eyes yellow, which means that it was affecting my Liver functions. I first noticed this about a week after starting the medication. I was so self conscience about my eyes. Everyone was going to know that I was sick and there was nothing I could do about it. I told my doctor at the next appointment. He told me that it might occur when first stating the medications. I believe in what my doctor told me. After a few weeks went by my eyes were still a little yellow.
 

Justin's HIV Journal: Trouble with Medications Part I

 
My second visit to my doctor was a good one. I voiced my concerns and he listened. He instructed me to go to the lab and get my blood work done.

As I sat in my chair having my blood work done I thought about the events of the future. I thought about then candidate Barack H. Obama. I thought about the many struggles that this man had to endure. That was the moment I posed a question to myself, "What was this man's drive to become President of a wounded country?" My second thought was, "I'm wounded, but NOT dead".

The third visit was the reading of my blood work. It turned out to be a surprise to me. My eyes have since been better. I have been feeling so much better and the election in November gave me a lot of hope.
 

Justin's HIV Journal: Trouble with Medications Part II

 

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HIV Denialist Christine Maggiore, 52 died on the 29th of December. Maggorie was a Italian American woman who founded the organization of Alive & Well AIDS Alternatives, a nonprofit group that questions whether HIV causes AIDS.






 

The organization is centered around HIV-positive mothers, like Maggiore who don’t want to take meds while pregnant. Marjorie was diagnosed as being HIV positive in 1992.   
Also her organization promotes women, who are already HIV infected who plan to breast-feed their babies (a known route of HIV transmission). She also was the author of an HIV denialist book, What If Everything You Thought You Knew About AIDS Was Wrong?

In May 2005 the County Coroner determined that Majorie’s 3 year old daughter. Eliza Jane Scovill, died of AIDS-related pneumonia. In the following year the court decided not to file criminal charges against Maggorie and her husband for not having their two children tested for the HIV virus.

This woman’s (Maggorie) way of thinking is just one example how many people view the HIV virus. Many people that have a HIV denialist way of thinking contact me on Justin’s HIV Journal on youtube.com. They often tell me that I’m poisoning myself because I take HIV medications. A lot of them eat foods and take vitamins which to them is an alternate way of treated their HIV, but changing your diet isn’t enough.

 My video comments

 

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Hello EVERYONE I know it’s that time of the year again. I was so busy with Christmas things I couldn’t get all my articles out in time. This is Justin B Smith from Justin’s HIV journal saying Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year to all of my readers and listeners.

This journal that I’ve been dedicated to has helped a lot of people get over the stigma of living with HIV. Also it given people a chance to see there is life after HIV. I’ve decided to make it a journey to help others on my personal path for personal enlightenment and community service.


 
These holidays are very tough. With the economy in peril and people having very little money for the holidays the dc boys of leather have decided to raise money for Pediatric AIDS. This year we raised about 310.00 for Pediatric AIDS was created at a time when few people knew that HIV/AIDS affected children. There was no research specifically on pediatric AIDS, and the drugs being used and developed for adults were not being used or tested in children.

Established to help level the playing field for children, the Foundation has spent almost two decades funding pediatric research and raising awareness about children's fight against HIV/AIDS. Thanks to this research and awareness, as well as the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy, many children born infected with HIV/AIDS now have the opportunity to grow up healthy. For children in resource-poor countries, however, long-term survival is still a dream.

Also we donated over 8 big garbage bags full of toys for Toy for Tots. The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

I hope everyone got what they wanted this Christmas. Remember there are people that are infected with HIV/AIDS on the street. Lend your hand and help them. We must do what we can to help them as much as we can. Whether it be a blanket or some food we have to take care of each. Now is the time, and not later.

OH YEAH MY BIRTHDAY WAS ON THE 27TH of DECEMBER, I'M 29 AND LOVING IT!!!!

 

By Justin Smith

Hey GBMNews.com let me first start of by saying I Justin B Smith apologize to the readers and watchers. I have been taking some much needed time off and needed. I need to refocus on my own health. My medication has my undetectable as of last month. But my body is changing a bit. The yellowing of my eyes (jaundice) has been an issue. 

 

I’ve talked with my doctor about it and she said I need to get some lab work done on my Liver. Also I mentioned a bone density scan as well. With some of the medications effects on the body some people will experience their bone density shrink. Yes shrink. Your body might get smaller.

Also regular consumption of alcohol is NOT recommended. I used to have a beer for dinner and now I’ve actually started drinking juices with antioxidants. There have been a number of studies reported at various congresses and published in peer-reviewed medical journals indicating that deficiencies in antioxidant nutrients lead to more rapid HIV-associated disease progression. 

Basically what this is saying is that a body that has been infected with HIV is going to have complications with other diseases because of the break down in antioxidants. It’s our job to make sure our own bodies get antioxidants by drinking or taking Vitamin A and E. So I’ve started to take more and more steps to incorporate Vitamins’ A and E into my life.

So it’s off to the doctor I go to actually find out what supplements I should and should not take. I also am going to set up a appointment where I can get a bone density scan. On the lighter side of news I’ve moved in with my partner, so I have a new doctor and it looks like I might have more one on one time with this doctor. I’ve had to also take a look at when I go to sleep and how many times I go out. I’m always involved heavily in my community so I just have to make sure it’s not taking a toll on my body.

Please feel free to comment below and watch the video. I need input on what the public thinks I should be doing? I need suggestions from you, the public. Please give me information ;-)

 

Justin Remembers A Friend

By Justin B. Smith

Justin remembers his friend Rodney who died of HIV/AIDS. He lights a candle in remembrance of good times that they had. Rodney is also one of the reasons why Justin does what he does. He is one of the reasons why Justin has made Justin's HIV Journal


 

 

My friend Rodney and I had some really good times and it hurt to hear that he left us especially when I had to hear it months after he was buried. The thing that people didn’t know about Rodney and I is that we were dated when he died. We were actually started to really like each other and get into one another. We went to Georgetown at one point to see a movie and then walked to a place in Georgetown where we had dinner. He chose the place because he wanted to expose me to Escargot. When he suggested it I said, “What the hell are you thinking, snails yuck”. He would always say to me, “Justin, why don’t you try something new”. I did like it.

This still rings in my ear as my partner says the same to me. Maybe it’s Rodney tell me something.

 


The AIDS Quilt

By Justin B. Smith

Hello GBMNews.com when it was World AIDS Day I decided to make this video because I’d had never seen the AIDS Quilt before. I’m 28 years old and AIDS is just about as old as me.

It’s even older it you look at it literally. Some experts says AIDS has been around a lot longer than people think. I believe them. In the 80’s 90’s AIDS carried off many of our Black, White, Hispanic, Latino, Asian brothers and sisters. 


I went to see the AIDS to remember them. To remember all those who had been infected before me and who had died doing the very same thing I am. I also thought about my friends’ whose funerals I had missed and who also died from AIDS. I know there might come a day where I too will pass away from this disease.

 

My mother has a quilt that she made for my when I graduated High School. It’s very special to me she made it with love. I have now decided that if I die from this disease then she has my permission to make it a part of the AIDS Quilt or bury me with it. I’m unsure which one she will do but I’m sure she will make the right decision. I cannot let the death of anyone of myself go in vain.
 
About The Quilt

Founded in 1987, The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a poignant memorial, a powerful tool for use in preventing new HIV infections, and the largest ongoing community arts project in the world. Each "block" (or section) of The AIDS Memorial Quilt measures approximately twelve feet square, and a typical block consists of eight individual three foot by six foot panels sewn together. Virtually every one of the more than 40,000 colorful panels that make up the Quilt memorializes the life of a person lost to AIDS.
 

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Protest on Proposition 8 Washington DC

Hello my name is Justin B Smith, from Justin's HIV Journal.. I first decided to record my life with HIV using live video feeds because of the lack of representation that we as African American men have when it comes to documentation of this disease. With all the recent strides the United States has been going through such as the first Black President and Gay Marriage being legalized in Connecticut, I felt it only right for me to take my watchers and readers to the Protest on Proposition 8 held in Washington DC in response to the constitutional vote in California banning same sex marriage.


 

     
This recent vote is but one example of when a majority has institutionalized discrimination. People have to know that banning anyone from having a legal marriage is discrimination. Let's look at it from both a Civil Rights and Religious stand point.

In the case of Loving vs. the Commonwealth of Virginia, two people who loved and were devoted to each other decided to get married. Mildred Loving a woman of African and Native American descent and Richard Perry Loving, a Caucasian man. Both were residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. They were arrested and charged with miscegenation, which in this instance banned inter-racial marriages.

On January 6, 1959, the both pleaded guilty and were sentenced to one year in prison, with the sentence suspended for 25 years on condition that they leave the state of Virginia. The trial judge in the case, Leon Bazile, repeated Johann Friedrich Blumenbach's 18th-century interpretation of race, proclaiming that

     

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Justin Goes To Las Vegas/Hoover Dam and meets Michael Phelps

By Justin B Smith, Sr. Correspondent

People that are infected with HIV are more apt to suffer from depression than people who are HIV negative. What better way to get out of depression than to take a vacation. I myself am not depressed but I figured that this vacation that I take might remind people that a vacation is a must for everyone, whether their HIV positive or negative.


 

 
My partner went to San Francisco to see our two friends get married, which I heard the ceremony was very nice.

Sadly I wasn’t able to go to the wedding.

 

Justin B Smith (L) and partner Dr. Philip Terry (R)

So my story begins here in the Baltimore/Washington Area where I had to take a plane to JFK in NY. I was so tired; it was 5:00PM when I landed in New York.

The only thing that I like about this part of the trip was the men at the JFK Airport.

Justin B. Smith at Hoover Dam

 

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ELECTION DAY November 4th, 2008

Interviews and Justin’s Reaction to President Barack Obama

On the morning of November 4th 2008, I, Justin B Smith, decided to go out and vote on Election Day. It’s one of the most important Elections I might ever see in my lifetime. I decided to record it. It was about 7:00AM I believe when the polls in Maryland opened. It was very cloudy and a little breezy.

I walked to the school and saw there was already a line forming to go vote. It was about 15 people in line when I got in line.

Then more people atarted to come and the line grew and grew and grew. The polls opened right at 7:00AM on the dot. There were no hold up and everyone that was there were there in support of there candidate. Maryland itself has almost always been a “blue state” when it came to the Presidential Elections.

As I was in line I looked upon the peoples faces I saw no frowns and no complaining. But I saw hope and so many that were proud to be an American. There were woman, men, Blacks, Whites, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, Gay, Lesbian, Hetero, etc. Everyone under the sun was there. I thought to myself I wonder what they are thinking as there are getting into line to vote, to change the world.

So I decided to Interview them

I felt like I was going to make a difference in the world with my vote, the one voice that nobody could take away from me.

After the elections were over I called my Grandmother. My Grandmother is 90 years old. I called her to get her reaction. She was elated. I asked her, “Grandmom, did you ever think that you would see a black President?” She replied jokingly, “Baby I didn’t think anyone would see a Black President of the United States”.

I laughed with her. I then asked her, “How do you feel about all those hard years of discrimination and segregation that you’ve lived through do you think that you’re work has paid off?”  
She replied, “Yes BUT there is still more work to be done and I think he (President-Elect Barack Obama, can do it, he the best man for the job”.

I will never forget this day. I’m just glad that I’m a live to see it

 
 

Justin’s HIV Journal in Las Vegas II

Justin listens/watches President-Elect Barack Obama speak

The best thing about my trip was not in the first part of my HIV vacation. The best part is when one Saturday night when snuggling up with my partner Philip, watching TV the news came on and we noticed the headline, “Senator Barack Obama in Las Vegas at Bonanza High School”.

 

 
Barack Obama - soon to be President-Elect
I jumped out of bed and shouted, “Honey did you see that, he’s here in Las Vegas”. Philip said sarcastically, “Gee honey do you want to go”. I screamed, “Hell Yeah”.

So I took initiative and put in a RSVP for us both. This is a great opportunity.

I felt like it was destiny for me to see him. I googled the high school to see where exactly it was and how far it was from our hotel, it was only 20 minutes from us.

All and all in was a moving experience. I recorded the whole thing on camera.

 
Child looking toward Obama for change
In the end of the third part there are McCain protesters shouting in an enclosed area. It got heated as people started throwing things at them.

Of course the footage was awesome.

 
Justin B Smith at Barack Obama rally Las Vegas

 Barack Obama - Part I

 

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By Justin B Smith, Sr. Correspondent

When I first saw that HBO was going to have a series on Vampires I was automatically intrigued. I’ve been captivated with Vampires ever since I was a child. So hearing about the show really excited me.

When the show premiered something else excited me as well. The characters of this show are at a caliber I have never seen before. But one character to me stands out on his own, and that is the character of “Lafayette”.

Lafayette is character that is openly gay to most of his friends on the show. The character of Lafayette is played by actor Nelsan Ellis


 
 

Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette - Nelsan Ellis as himself

The character of Lafayette is a short-order cook who works in eye make up and club wear. He also works as a drug dealer and novice internet porn star. Oh yes, he is most definitely a big flirt.

Living in the backwoods vampire-infested town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, Lafayette struggles with discrimination as well.

His smooth charisma is poised with a masculinity that cannot be denied. His character has most definitely stolen just about ever scene that he is in. He is a force to be reckoned with.

Watch below as Lafayette stands in the face of adversity

Lafayette is interviewed about Vampires in America

True Blood comes on every Sunday 9pm EST. 

When the first opening credits come on I’m glued to the television as I’m sure you will be too.

Check Lafayette out on HBO True Blood


Presenting President Barack Obama

By Justin Smith, Sr, Corespondent

Many people of this country had no idea who President Barack Obama was when he was the Senator of Illinois, until that day we gave a speech. President Obama gave a speech that would get EVERYONE'S attention, whether they are Black, White, Asian, Hispanic etc. He gave the keynote address at the 2004 DNC (Democratic National Convention). I remember it well. After that speech a lot of the population knew that he would be bound for greatness that he would be our "Black hope". 


 
BARACK OBAMA: On behalf of the great state of Illinois, crossroads of a nation, land of Lincoln, let me express my deep gratitude for the privilege of addressing this convention. Tonight is a particular honor for me because, let's face it, my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. My father was a foreign student, born and raised in a small village in Kenya. He grew up herding goats, went to school in a tin-roof shack. His father, my grandfather, was a cook, a domestic servant.

But my grandfather had larger dreams for his son. Through hard work and perseverance my father got a scholarship to study in a magical place; America which stood as a beacon of freedom and opportunity to so many who had come before. While studying here, my father met my mother. She was born in a town on the other side of the world, in Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs and farms through most of the Depression. The day after Pearl Harbor he signed up for duty, joined Patton's army and marched across Europe. Back home, my grandmother raised their baby and went to work on a bomber assembly line. After the war, they studied on the G.I. Bill, bought a house through FHA, and moved west in search of opportunity.

Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention

 

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By Justin Smith

Justin B Smith does the Washington DC AIDS Walk/5K Run Victoriously







 

 
Hello all this is Justin B. Smith again. About 2 weeks ago I decided to do the 2008 Washington DC AIDS Walk/5K Run.
It was the first time I did the AIDS Walk/5k Run and it's the first time I ever ran a 5k for a good cause.
It felt so good to give something back to my community. I first thought about the AIDS 5K Walk and then thought about how in high school I ran 5K's like they were nothing. I wanted to see if after 10 years I still had it.
 

Washington DC Mayor Adrian Fenty (L) and Justin B. Smith (R)

 
I also decided that community service when talking about HIV/AIDS is one of my callings as well. I do have my hand in many different arenas right now.
 

Olympic Gold Medalist Diver Greg Louganis (L) and Justin B. Smith (R)

 
So as most of you know I gauged about 500.00 for my goal for the AIDS Walk/5K Run. Well thanks to all my readers and watchers I raised 700.00. Thank you to all my supporters.
 

 

By Justin Smith, Sr. Correspondent
     Duane Cramer, Photographer

It seems Noah and Wade, from Noah's ARC, aren't the only ones jumping the broom this year. National Black Justice Coalition's Mr. H. Alexander Robinson just "got hitched" to partner Gregory M. Satorie





   
 
Both gentlemen live together in the beautiful blue collar city of Baltimore Maryland. They have been together for about 7 years and both know what it takes to stay together in a strong binding and blessed relationship.
It is a pleasure knowing both of these strong men of our community and to celebrate with them.
  Gregory M. Satorie(L)   H. Alexander Robinson

Alexander wore a three-piece black Hugo Boss tuxedo and Greg wore a black Cignal suit. The grooms wore matching gold with burgundy accents neckwear from Brooks Brothers. The rose and orchid boutonnières and Ms. Sojourner's bouquet were created by Church Street Florist.

The ceremony was followed by toast and dinner at 2223 Restaurant in San Francisco's historic Castro District. The happy couple plan to host a hometown celebration in Baltimore, Maryland and honeymoon later in the year.


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Another Olympic Track Star Headed to Jail

By Justin Smith, Sr. Correspondent

Former Olympic track star Tim Montgomery was sentenced Friday to five years in prison for dealing heroin to an undercover cop. The former track star was under federal surveillance, for suspicion.

The former sprinter will serve the five-year sentence after he completes a 46-month prison term on an unrelated conviction in New York


 
 
 
Montgomery told U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Friedman. "I was blind - I never had a job in my life," "I did the wrong thing."

In July he negotiated with the government and entered a guilty plea to possession and distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin he received the minimum term under federal sentencing guidelines.

Montgomery had much success in his past career as an Olympian. He won an Olympic silver medal in the 400-meter relay at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Then Montgomery won 4 Olympic gold medals in the same event at the Sydney 2000 Summer Games.

All of his successes were wiped cleaned from history because of a doping scandal, from which he never recovered.

 
 

 

 

 

Steve Riddick

 
In April of this year Montgomery was detained on the heroin charge one month after he was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his role in a New York-based check-kiting conspiracy.

Montgomery's heroin prosecution is based on four drug sales he made a year ago and this year in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
A Drug Enforcement Agency informant made buys that were electronically videotaped, tape-recorded or witnessed by agents, according to court records.

While he never tested positive for drugs, but he retired in December 2005 after the ban was imposed.

Last year, Montgomery admitted helping his former coach, Olympic champion Steve Riddick, and others cash $1.7 million in stolen and counterfeit checks.

Riddick is serving a five-year prison term.
 
 
 
Montgomery's ex-cohort, Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones, is serving a six-month prison sentence for lying to investigators about the check-fraud scam and using steroids.

Montgomery's Olympic medals and his world-record 9.78-second performance in the 100-meter dash were wiped clean after he was linked to the investigation of BALCO, the West Coast lab at the center of the steroid scandal in sports. He also was banned from track for two years.

In his prime, Montgomery was dubbed "the world's fastest man" but his fortunes have sharply declined.

 
 
 

WASHINGTON, DC - September 22, 2008 -- For nine consecutive years, the White Attire Affair, a lavish and festive event attended by thousands of mostly African Americans raised thousands of dollars to assist HIV/AIDS providers in Washington, DC and in surrounding areas. But in 2008, the event went on a brief hiatus in order to re-organize. This fall the White Attire Affair re-emerges as a copyrighted event that is fully owned, planned, organized and executed by the Al Sura Foundation, headed by its Founder and Chairman Rahim Briggs.

"The new foundation promotes HIV/AIDS awareness across African-American communities through social marketing events. The White Attire Affair will be one of several planned social marketing events across the mid-Atlantic region" explains Briggs who originated the fundraiser in his backyard 10 years ago. The 10th Annual White Attire Affair is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2009 in downtown Washington, DC featuring live entertainment and food. The 2009 theme is "A Family Reunion."

Leading up to the event, the Al Sura Foundation has scheduled a fall fundraiser donor reception on Saturday, October 11, 2008 to raise funds and to recruit additional Board and Board Advisory Committee Members.  Al Sura has also scheduled "A Call To Service" on Saturday October 25, 2008 for men, women and youth who would like to dedicate their time, talent and resources over the next 10 months in planning, staffing and executing the event.

The name Al Sura inspired from the Holy Quran, simply means, "New Chapter or New Era." According to Briggs "We must Renew, Reconnect and Recommit our efforts in raising awareness and to successfully partner with various organizations in the areas of finance, marketing, fundraising, and outreach. There is a leadership void within the community; Allah has provided me another opportunity to lead the effort."

About the Al Sura Foundation
Al Sura's mission is to improve communication, education, and promotional awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS within the African-American community. This is done through social marketing and fundraising opportunities while providing leadership training to individuals and organizations providing HIV/AIDS support targeted to people of color.

Al Sura Foundation
Rahim Briggs
Founder & Board Chairman Al Sura Foundation

Herndon Davis Media/Communications
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