Are you joining us for the 3rd annual Rock the Red: Bold. Fashion. Awareness. show this Saturday, March 24 from 6-9pm? Rock the Red brings together our passion for social justice and our love of fashion, while commemorating National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Rock the Red will also showcase the newest fashions by upcoming designers and boutiques from around the city of Chicago, as well as a very special guest host!

Actress, comedian and motivational speaker, Kim Coles, will be presiding over the festivities! Kim will also help us honor the recipient of the Ultimate Red Pump Rocker Award. This year, we’ve chosen Sister Yaa Simpson for her tireless work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

So join us for a fantastic evening where we bring together social justice and fashion to Rock the RED BOLDLY, FASHIONABLY while being AWARE of the impact of HIV/AIDS on our community.

Tickets are $30, and you can get them at http://rockthered2012.eventbrite.com. At the door, they’ll be $35.

Also, join us for the afterparty in the same venue following the show. Free entry for anyone who buys a ticket to the show.

Rock the Red Team

* Producer & Stylist: Benjamin Cottrell (Benjamin Cottrell Designs)
* Coordinator: Fisayo Ogundimu (One Look Events)
* Music: DJ Bonsu (@DJBonsu)
* Clothing Designers: Khojo Dresses, CLEONS Clothing Company, Borris Powell Designs, StudioAlade, Shavonne Dorsey, GOCA
* Accessories Designers: MOTO (bags), D’Haute Jewelry
* Makeup: Crystal-Eyez Makeup, Andrea Samuels Makeup, Freedom Mau Wright
* Hair: Dee Desalu
* Photography: ChuckStr Photos, Dare2Dream Photography, Cadence Gamache Photography
* Videography: DntBooMe Video Productions , Omen Media

Event Details
What: Rock the RED: Bold. Fashion. Awareness. fashion show
When: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Where: Society Art Gallery (2140 W. Fulton St.; Chicago, IL 60612)
Time: 6 – 9:00 p.m. (6 p.m.- Cocktail Hour; 7 p.m. Show begins)
Afterparty begins at 10pm at the same venue, and goes til 2am! Tickets to the show is all you need to get into the afterparty.

About our Host: Kim Coles

Kim Coles has starred in numerous hit television programs including her five-season turn as the unforgettable “Synclaire” on FOX’s ground-breaking comedy series Living Single, Frasier, Six Feet Under, In Living Color, One on One and the uproarious TBS comedy series, 10 Items of Less and The ivillage for NBC. She has been a guest co-host for various shows, including The View and Good Day Live.

Kim also adds author to her list of credits with her Best-selling book, I’m Free but it Will Cost you: The Single Life According to Kim Coles. With her latest venture, she’s taking that same guiding spirit and empowering people, combining comedy and inspiration with Open the G.I.F.T.S., a transformational program designed to inspire her fans to discover their own true G.I.F.T.S. so they can share them with the world. You can follow Kim on Twitter at @KimColes and join her Facebook page!

Thanks to Our Sponsors

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Event Details

What: Rock the RED: Bold. Fashion. Awareness. fashion show
Who: The Red Pump Project (@redpumpproj), with host Kim Coles (@kimcoles)
When: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Where: Society Art Gallery; 2140 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL 60612
Time: 6 – 9 p.m. (6 p.m.- Cocktail Hour; 7 p.m. Show begins)

Tickets are $25 regular and $50 VIP (early bird). On March 1, 2012, regular tics will be $30, and $60 VIP (if any remain). VIPs receive designated seating, complimentary drinks during cocktail hour and a gift bag of goodies. Get them at http://rockthered2012.eventbrite.com.

Our Sponsors

So far, these are our show sponsors:

Be a sponsor for Rock the RED

We’re currently seeking sponsors for our show. Your organization can lend a hand in our efforts by making a donation – either monetary or in the form of product or services. As a sponsor, you’ll have a great opportunity to increase its visibility in the Chicagoland area, in front of over 250 professionals. You will also receive recognition across the web, through our very active social networks and in our eNewsletter.

More importantly, you will be helping us to continue the work we do in our communities where the presence of HIV/AIDS has made a significant impact, devastating the lives of children, women, other minorities and their families.

If you’re interested and would like to receive our sponsorship package, please email us at info at redpump dot org.

The post Get Tickets for the “Rock the Red” Fashion Show Hosted by Kim Coles appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

Rock the Red will also showcase the newest fashions by upcoming designers and boutiques from around the city of Chicago, as well as a very special guest host!

It’s our pleasure to announce that actress, comedian and motivational speaker, Kim Coles, best-known for her role on the hit show “Living Single” will be presiding over the festivities! Using laughter and love, Kim will also be helping us honor the recipient of the Ultimate Red Pump Rocker Award, who will be chosen for their work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

So join The Red Pump Project on March 24th for a fantastic evening where we bring together social justice and fashion to Rock the RED BOLDLY, FASHIONABLY while being AWARE of the impact of HIV/AIDS on our community.

Event Details

What: Rock the RED: Bold. Fashion. Awareness. fashion show
Who: The Red Pump Project (@redpumpproj), with host Kim Coles (@kimcoles)
When: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Where: TBD, Chicago, IL
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m.- Cocktail Hour; 7 p.m. Show begins)

More information on the show, designers and sponsors will come on January 30, 2012! Tickets will also go on sale then.

So join us on March 24th for a fantastic evening where we bring together social justice and fashion to Rock the RED BOLDLY, FASHIONABLY while being AWARE of the impact of HIV/AIDS on our community.

Be A Sponsor for Rock the RED

We’re currently seeking sponsors for our show. Your organization can lend a hand in our efforts by making a donation – either monetary or in the form of product or services. As a sponsor, you’ll have a great opportunity to increase its visibility in the Chicagoland area, in front of over 250 professionals. You will also receive recognition across the web, through our very active social networks and in our eNewsletter.

More importantly, you will be helping us to continue the work we do in our communities where the presence of HIV/AIDS has made a significant impact, devastating the lives of children, women, other minorities and their families.

If you’re interested and would like to receive our sponsorship package, please email us at info at redpump dot org.

Follow @redpumpproj

The post Announcing the 3rd Annual “Rock the Red: Bold. Fashion. Awareness.” Show With Special Host appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

Come for an evening of good music (provided by DJ Niena Drake), drinks, conversations, games and charity. And bring gently-used to new winter gear you no longer want or need with you to donate. We’ll be collecting these things and donating to the Salvation Army and shelter.

We’ll also be having a complimentary Alizé Cocktail Tasting from 6pm-7pm.

Free cover all night, but we’re accepting a suggested donation of $10.

Bring gently-used sweaters, coats, hats and gloves to donate! 

Event information
When: Friday, December 30, 2011; 6-9pm
Where: Red Kiva Lounge (1108 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60607)
Who: Red Pump (@RedPumpProj), Blogging While Brown (@BWBConference), Swish Dreams (@SwishDreams) and Afrobella (@Afrobella)

Please RSVP at the Cocktails, Convos and Coats Eventbrite page

And many thanks to:

The post Cocktails, Convos and Coats: Our Way of Giving Back in Chicago This Holiday appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

1. Get on our mailing list so you can get all our updates about happenings around the country. We send out a newsletter quarterly, with increased frequency during the time of our “Rock the Red Pump” campaign. Still. We won’t spam you or clutter your inbox. This is a promise.

You might be seeing this in your inbox because you’ve signed up to get our blog posts delivered to your email. This is different from our mailing list. So… sign up!

2. Follow us everywhere you’re active. We’re on Twitter (@RedPumpProj), Facebook, Tumblr, Foursquare. We’d love for you to join our communities!

3. Rock the Red Pump™ on your blog. Be a part of our annual campaign to get bloggers to commemorate National Women and Girls’ HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, by placing a “Rock the Red Pump” badge on their sites to represent the strength and courage of women fighting HIV/AIDS or affected by the disease. The 4th annual campaign kicks off January 2012. If you’re on our mailing list, you’ll be the first know!

4. Write a blog post for the Red Pump site about why you care about HIV/AIDS. Why do you “Rock the Red Pump?” Stories reach farther than statistics, and we want to hear yours. You can submit a post idea to info at redpump dot org.

5. Partner with The Red Pump Project for an event in your area for an HIV/AIDS awareness day. Please keep in mind that partnership with Red Pump is important when you choose to use our marks. We’re very open to partnering with organizations and individuals, so email us with what you have in mind!

6. Become an ambassador. We’re currently only looking for ambassadors in New York City and Washington DC. To learn more and apply, read our ambassadors page.

7. Come to THIS event below to learn more if you’re in Chicago:

The Red Pump Project invites you to Fab Five Fridays for a happy hour meet and greet on Friday, October 28, 2011 from 6-10pm, at Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph; Chicago, IL 60607).

Red Pump is gearing up for an incredibly active six months, nationally, leading up to National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 10, 2012). However, in Chicago alone, we’ll be having 3 major events and initiatives between now and March 2012, and we need help in ensuring their success.

If you’re interested in getting involved with The Red Pump Project, come to this happy hour and we’ll let you know what areas we can use your help in.

6 – 7pm – Complimentary Alizé cocktail tasting
7 – 8pm – How to get involved with Red Pump
8 – 10pm – Be merry!

And while you’re there, you’ll enjoy music provided by the Fab Five DJs of Chicago: Kwest_on, Joe Kollege, Niena Drake, GT, and 8Ball.

No cover. $3 domestic beers, $5 cocktails.

To RSVP for this, go to http://fabfiveredpump.eventbrite.com. If you have any questions, email us at info at redpump dot org.

If you don’t live in Chicago, but would still like to get involved with us, email us saying how you’d ideally like to help.

Soon, #8 will be “Buy Red Pump Merchandise.” We’re relaunching our online store in the next couple of months, and that is another way you can help support our organization.

We’d love to get you involved with our work so just let us know how you’d like to help!

The post How Can You Be Involved with Red Pump? Here’s 7 Ways… appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

The 2011 Amalgamation Fashion Show and Benefit is this Saturday, October 22, from 7-10pm. The show is part of Fashion Focus Chicago, a week-long celebration of Chicago’s thriving fashion industry. It features Chicago designers “love, DIA”, Kiyoko Linden, Mone`Capri, Carmen Renee, Humera Alvi, St. Nana Kwame Frimpong, Cynt DB Art. Also, proceeds are going to benefit us (Red Pump) and Girls Rule! Chicago.

Thanks to love, Dia Couture for having us as a beneficiary organization!

For more details and to purchase tickets, check out the love, Dia website!

Amalgamation Show Details

Date: Oct 22, 2011
Time: 7-10pm
Location: St. Stephen AME Church; 3042 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612
Admission: $12 in advance; $20 at the door

The post Chicago, Come to the Amalgamation Fashion Show appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

This week, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago unveiled its latest educational campaign designed to inspire African-Americans to live life to the fullest and to take control of their health. The Change My Story campaign has a multi-pronged approach, including bus shelter ads across the South Side of Chicago.

See that picture above? That’s right. The ladies of Red Pump were asked to participate in the campaign by lending our image to ads and by sharing the campaign with our supporters. The power of Change My Story lies in the fact that the campaign features real individuals discussing the impact of HIV/AIDS, alongside celebrities like Sherri Shepherd and Rhymefest.

The ad above is at the CTA bus stop on 29th & King Drive. Two other ads with Red Pump appear on 75th & King Drive and 63rd & Stony Island.

For more information on Change My Story and to find out how you can get involved, check out ChangeMyStory.org. You can also find them on Facebook here.

Photography credit: ChuckStr Photo

The post Red Pump Joins AFC to “Change My Story” appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

Attendees of “Rock the RED” were treated to the runway creations of Wanda Grace, Khojo Dresses, Fashion House Chicago and House of Cleons. Accessories for the models were provided by Pretty Afrika and Sunny Jeanne. 14 Custom Red Pumps were created by Eidia Lush in a final scene that had people oohing! Those shoes are actually available for order now! And 15% of proceeds are coming back to The Red Pump Project to support our work! See them here.

Eidia Lush even went a step further and gifted the Red Pump co-founders with the actual Red Pumps in the logo! SO AWESOME!

The night was also to honor Keyana Ray with this year’s Ultimate Red Pump Rocker award. Ray, a film/video student at Columbia College Chicago, penned a film about three African-American girls who must deal with the threat of HIV/AIDS. The film was then produced by Gina Price-Blythewood (Love & Basketball), and has been screened across the country.

The event capped off a very successful online campaign for the organization, which exceeded its goal of getting 500 bloggers to commit to “Rocking the Red Pump” on their blogs on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 10. 1,200 ultimately participated and collectively use their sites as a vehicle to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and stimulate discussion around the issue.

Save the date for next year’s show” March 22, 2012!

We’d like to thank our sponsors for the event. Especially our top sponsors, Walgreens and Vocalo. This is the 2nd year they’ve supported “Rock the RED.”

Thank you to the Rock the RED Team:

Show stylist: Deedee Esubi aka The Sassy Peach
Music provided by: DJ Bonsu
Makeup by: Erin Yarbrough, Andrea C. Samuels (DVixen Makeup), Crystal-Eyez Makeup
Hair by: Dee Desalu, Zelda Opara
Photography: ChuckStr Photos, Dare2Dream Photography, Jeff White
Designers: Eidia Lush Shoes, Pretty Afrika, Khojo Dresses, Sunny Jeanne Givens, Wanda Grace, House of Cleon, Fashion House Chicago

View pictures here:

The post 2nd Annual “Rock the RED” Show was a Success. Thanks to You! appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

Online

Join us on March 10, 2011, for our Twitter Townhall in commemoration of National Women & Girls’ HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). Starting at 1:30pm CST, we will kick off a discussion on Twitter surrounding issues around HIV/AIDS and women. We want to hear what you have to say about the epidemic and its effect on women. Be sure to use the hashtag #redpump.

It also culminates our 3rd annual “Rock the Red Pump™” campaign, which has so far gotten 850 bloggers signed up!

Follow us on Twitter (@RedPumpProj).

Charlotte, NC

On March 10, 2011, in commemoration of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, join Red Pump’s Charlotte ambassadors as they Paint the Night RED. This fundraiser event will take place at Vertical Tease (Tease Fitness Boutique). Come out and learn more about The Red Pump Project.

The night will be filled with food, laughter, education, fun and a special tease pole party. Vertical Tease will teach basic pole techniques, a sexy chair routine and give you a great workout all at the same time.

For more information, email Brittani Menina at redpumpcharlotte@redpump.org

Atlanta, GA

On the evening of March 11, 2011, Red Pump Project Atlanta will host a wine tasting- fundraiser in conjunction with National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day as well as to introduce Red Pump Project Atlanta to the city as we forge alliances in preparation of hitting the pavement educating, testing, and raising awareness. Atlanta ranks eighth among the nation’s metro areas in its ratio of HIV infections to overall population and Georgia ranks 2nd in the rate of HIV infections for teens ages 13-19. Stems and Stilettos is a perfect event to raise both funds and awareness in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Red Pump will host mainstream Atlanta ranging from ages 21-40, both men and women alike. Guest will include Atlanta’s socialites, community partners, as well as public health professionals. Along with wine-tasting, music, giveaways, and entertainment will be provided. So Taste-T cupcakes will share their signature cupcake benefiting our chosen community partner, Aniz, Inc.

For more information and to RSVP, go HERE

Dallas, TX

The Red Pump Project’s Dallas ambassador presents: DIVA SWAP on March 13, 2011. DIVA SWAP is a women’s clothing exchange that is being held in recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 10th). Clothing swaps are fashionable, fun, and a charitable way to refresh your wardrobe. De-clutter that closet! Bring all your unwanted but AWESOME items that you no longer wear (or never got to wear). Swap and bring home some new favorites for FREE!

All un-swapped clothing will be donated to LifeNetTexas.org!

For more information and to RSVP, go HERE

Chicago, IL

On the evening of March 24, 2011, The Red Pump Project is having the 2nd annual “Rock the RED: Bold. Fashion. Awareness.” Fashion Show in commemoration of annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Rock the RED will also be a celebration of the 2nd anniversary of The Red Pump Project, which was founded in March 2009 to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. The event will begin with a “Happy Hour” at 6:00pm, and Rock the Red beginning promptly at 7:00pm. It will showcase the newest fashions by upcoming designers and boutiques from around the city. So join us for a fantastic evening where we bring together social justice and fashion to Rock the RED BOLDLY, FASHIONABLY while being AWARE of the impact of HIV/AIDS on our community.

For more information and to RSVP, go HERE

If you’re in any of these cities, we hope you can support and attend.

The post Upcoming Official Red Pump Events for Nat’l Women & Girls AIDS Day appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

It isn’t a secret that there is a disturbing increase in the number of people that contract HIV/AIDS each year. However, what is quite alarming is that the individuals that seem to be getting infected are becoming younger and younger. School officials across the country are starting to realize that more has to be done to protect our youth from the disease. Unfortunately, convincing parents and authority figures to implement changes and programs into the schools as a precaution is causing an uproar in Rochester High Schools. Rochester has a plan to make condoms available in their high schools. While some parents are on board with the school providing education and condoms to their children for safety measures, others are against the plan and want the schools to continue to teach abstinence only.

Read More of This Story Here

And feel free to share your thoughts about Condoms being available in schools.

Chicago HIV agency closes, cites financial woes

It saddens me to be informed of an organization that is desperately needed will no longer be around. Due to the horrible state of our economy BEHIV will be closing. BEHIV was one of the very few HIV/AIDS organizations in Chicago that provided various services for infected individuals on the North Side of Chicago. Times are extremely tough right now, but please be sure to support your local HIV/AIDS non-profit organizations as we do our best to save
lives, assist, and education our community.

Read more HERE.

The post Condoms in Rochester Schools; Chicago HIV/AIDS Org Closing appeared first on The Red Pump Project.