US Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley will receive AID Action’s 2020 Bette Byrnes Award during AIDS Walk Boston’s virtual festivities on October 18.
Online festivities also include opening ceremonies, fun activities everyone can do from home and incredible performances. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, AIDS Action has continued to serve clients through innovative programs; fundraising has never been more important. For details, go to walk.aac.org.
US Rep. Pressley, who AIDS Action describes as “a fierce health care equality advocate who continues to be a powerful voice for underserved communities in D.C. and beyond,” is the first black woman elected to US Congress from Massachusetts. She represents the Seventh District, which includes the Fenway and Kenmore neighborhoods.
From AAC’s press release:
From day one in office, Pressley advocated for vulnerable populations. In her first year as a City Councilor, Pressley formed the Committee on Healthy Women, Families, and Communities, which addresses issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. She worked collaboratively with community members to develop a comprehensive sexual education and health curriculum and update the expectant and parenting student policy. Both were successfully implemented into Boston Public Schools.
Pressley is a strong supporter of universal health care and Medicare-For-All. She has dedicated her career to eradicating poverty and fighting for the rights of underserved and marginalized communities.
The Bette Byrnes Award is named after the late Bette Byrnes, a dedicated supporter of AIDS Walk Boston. Byrnes, who lost her son John to AIDS, participated annually in AIDS Walk Boston for more than 20 years. The Bette Byrnes Award recognizes an individual or group that has gone above and beyond to promote education and awareness in their efforts to raise funds for AIDS Action and AIDS Walk & Run Boston.
More at walk.aac.org.
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