I hope that this site finds you in good spirits despite the circumstances of your life and of the world. One thing that keeps me looking forward is a reminder of how blessed I've been and that I am here to leave this world better than I found it: making it a better paradise!
As most of you know, I have been moved to action by the disproportionate, devastating toll HIV/AIDS has had on women and children, particularly those of color both here in America and around the globe. Many of you helped me to go with a friend to South Africa last year and offer free workshops to as many people as we could who had been either infected with or impacted by HIV/AIDS. THANK YOU!
One day I just couldn't get out of bed. I thought I was exhausted. I thought I had come down with something. After a few weeks it was clear I had it bad: without knowing it, I unconsciously decided not leave my bed.
I was depressed.
Before that, I had read one too many article, news report, statistic that said AIDS was the number one killer of African-American women; of African women, of Carribean women, of east Indian women; of youth between 18-25 and now between 11 and 15! Of all the new cases of infection around the world, 75% were in women! It felt like just walking out the house, I as an African-American woman would "get it". I didn't feel safe. I didn't feel protected. I didn't feel like I could do anything that would make a difference.
When I awoke from this pity party, I chose to do something to stop another girl or woman having their lives affected by the infection. I remembered the power of the arts to heal, uplift, inspire, move people to get involved! I remembered that I am an artist with a voice that must be heard and I am a teacher who can make teachers, leaders and other artists to lend their voice to their empowerment!
My original thought was to have an art exhibit that celebrated the majesty of women and girls, the new face of AIDS, and send money to organizations in Africa dedicated to their healing. One of the paiters I invited to donate art was Moana Nuimetolu, a beautiful multi-talented Tongan goddess. She said yes.
Then a conversation happened two months later:
Moana: "Come lead arts workshops in South Africa to women who were raped!"
Anasuya: "Are you still donating art the exhibit to raise money to Sierra Leone for counseling for women and girls who have AIDS as a result of the multiple rapes during the 9 year civil war?"
Hmmm... many of the women and girls in South Africa who have contracted the HIV/AIDS virus did so through rape (the other half from their husbands/boyfriends)....
The Let Love Lead Project was conceived when these two women, Moana and Anasuya, two artists (painters, performers, poets), and two activists for social justice invited each other to participate in making a difference in the lives of women and girls in Africa.
In September 2006, Moana boarded a South Africa Airlines plane to Cape Town, South Africa, and our lives haven't been the same ever since. Thank God!