When asked why she “Rocks the Red Pump,” Felisha had this to say:

I “Rock the Red Pump” for me, I have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since July of 2005, by a man that knew his status. I “Rock the Red Pump” for those whose journey has ended and for the people that have not found their voice yet.

Since her diagnosis, Felisha has become an HIV/AIDS educator, motivational speaker, and activist. She is also the mother of a one year old. As a Red Pump Ambassador, she recently hosted her first event, Red Pump’s First Annual Rock the RED: Youth Skate Jam. This event was the first of its kind for Red Pump, in that it targeted a younger demographic, while encouraging parental participation. The event was held June 24th at the Starlight Roller Rink in Charlotte. Over 80 people attended the skate jam, showing off their skills on the rink and mingling with others in support of HIV/AIDS Awareness. One of the highlights of the evening was the raffle, which brought out plenty of excitement from children of all ages. In addition to raising awareness, Rock the RED: Youth Skate Jam also raised money to benefit Community Empowerment, an organization that provides services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

We at The Red Pump Project, appreciate Felisha for her efforts to raise awareness and proudly shine this spotlight on her for a job well done!

Check out More Pics from Rock the RED: Youth Skate Jam below:

On Twitter? Follow @RedPumpNation to keep up with ambassador events and other HIV/AIDS happenings around the country!

The post Ambassador Spotlight: Felisha Moore appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

Biography: A beautiful blogger, fabulous fashionista, and a humble humanitarian are only a few ways to describe Ms. Kina Gunnels. This Kansas City socialite owns the very chic KCity Coffee House & Wine Bar, keeps her audience informed on the latest fashions and trends via her site http://www.kinagolightly.com/, actively volunteers with numerous organizations, and best of all Kina is still a fantastic wife and mother.

The post Kina Gunnels Rocks The Red Pump! appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

I’ll never forget the day that David told me that he had HIV. It was towards the end of 2007 and he asked me if I could come over to this apartment to talk. I absolutely could. David and I had been friends since we met while working at the Gap about 7 years ago. We’d partied together, dined together, and danced together. He was in my inner sanctum of friends.

I arrive at his apartment and we pour some wine. Once the minor chit chat is out of the way, I ask him, “What’s up?” He takes a deep breath, and says “I’ve been diagnosed with HIV.” You ever been on a rollercoaster and hit a dip that makes your stomach want to scream? That’s what happened to me. No one had ever said those three words to me. And, David? How? Why? I…I remember sitting there and drinking my wine while he talked. The first thing that I could utter was “You’re trying to make me cry.” There were no other thoughts present in my mind at the time.

Our conversation moved on to strength and faith, and how those two things could pull us through anything. It’s that same strength and faith that has brought us down the paths which we’re both walking. David has gone on to be a powerful speaker and HIV/AIDS activist. He tells his story at colleges, churches, workshops, and conferences, and recently recorded a couple of PSAs. He’s written a book, The Face of Hope: The Testimony of a Beloved Kneegrow Boy, and is working on a companion photography book.

On Friday, October 23rd, David will take to the stage in a one-man show titled “I Have H.I.V.” I don’t know what he’s going to say and how he’s going to say it, but I know that it will be a powerful performance. While many people hide behind their diagnosis, David has committed himself to making sure that others don’t have to go through what he’s going through. I truly love him and admire his strength.

If you’re in Chicago, please come on out to this performance. The tickets are $20 and the event details are here. You need to hear, you need to see, you need to know. To learn more about David, please read this article in Empower Magazine and check out his website www.davidrobertsoninc.com.

This was originally posted on The Fabulous Giver.

The post "I Have H.I.V." – These Three Words appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

As if that wasn’t awesome enough. Sarah just designed a special Red Pump Project pearl bracelet. The bracelet will be available for purchase on the Chic Gems website later in the week. In the meantime, you can order the bracelets by calling 888-801-8265.

We are SO honored by Sarah doing all of this for The Red Pump Project. She is super awesome! Please support her.

The post Special Red Pump Project Bracelet appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

I was initially drawn in to Just In Case by their product offerings, but after reading their philosophy, it became clear that these women simply “got it.” They understood how society made women feel, and their product took a step towards addressing some of the underlying issues and challenges affecting women’s sexual health and well-being.

From their website:

It is our belief that although a woman may be sophisticated, smart, sexy and forward thinking in her world, beneath the strong exterior lives a woman who is innately modest, and has a desire to be loved and respected; a different kind of strength.

Often, situations arise where self-betrayal replaces self-knowledge with the belief that having unprotected sex will please her partner and begin or keep a relationship going; all of which could put her life at risk. Furthermore, the idea of purchasing condoms herself or carrying them in her purse where others may see them, might be just too embarrassing. Or she may feel judged for having them in her possession.

Protecting ourselves is our right. We should never be embarrassed about taking care of ourselves. Not for one second.

If you are interested in “loving wisely,” Just In Case is offering a great deal to you, our Red Pump readers. When you purchase a compact from the website, enter in the code “REDPUMP” to receive 10% off your purchase! These also make great gifts, so consider getting one for your sister, girlfriend, or whomever. You can’t beat the discount nor the free shipping (for orders over $50).

Also, worth mentioning…A percentage of sales from the red compacts will benefit YouthAIDS, an education and prevention program which uses media, pop culture, music, theatre and sports to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and reach 600 million young people in more than 60 countries.

For our readers at nonprofits, Just In Case does sell compacts to NPOs, so if you are interested in securing some for a benefit or workshop, please reach out via their website!

To learn more about the company and their work in the community, please visit www.justincaseinc.com!

The post Just In Case condoms cases combine style and safety appeared first on The Red Pump Project.