candlelight memorial
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, observed each year on the third Sunday of May, is a sacred time for reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment. It calls our community together to honor the lives of those we have lost to HIV and AIDS, to uplift the memory of their journeys, and to recognize the courage of those who fought—on the frontlines of care, advocacy, and compassion—to prevent the spread of this virus.
This gathering is not only about remembrance, but also about awareness and action. It was started in 1983. Since then, hundreds of events have been held throughout the world. As a result of these events, H.I.V. awareness has increased. The memorial is also a movement to mobilize communities. It is through this memorial that the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease are addressed - now, new generations have reason to hope. As we stand united, we reaffirm our responsibility to educate, to support one another, and to build a future rooted in prevention, understanding, and love for all people. Through shared stories, voices, and light, we strengthen the bonds of community and continue the work of those who came before us.
Event Details:📅 Date: May 16, 2026🕔 Time: 5:00 PM📍 Location: EBON Temple, 7001 Wallace Rd., Orlando, FL 32819
The program will feature speakers and singers, followed by a reception.
EBON Temple is a proud member of the Faith-based AIDS Coalition for Technical assistance and Services, a collective of faith-driven organizations committed to making a meaningful impact across every part of our community. A partnership with Positive Assistance, Inc.
Join us as we gather in unity—to remember, to honor, to educate, and to move forward together in hope.
This gathering is not only about remembrance, but also about awareness and action. It was started in 1983. Since then, hundreds of events have been held throughout the world. As a result of these events, H.I.V. awareness has increased. The memorial is also a movement to mobilize communities. It is through this memorial that the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease are addressed - now, new generations have reason to hope. As we stand united, we reaffirm our responsibility to educate, to support one another, and to build a future rooted in prevention, understanding, and love for all people. Through shared stories, voices, and light, we strengthen the bonds of community and continue the work of those who came before us.
Event Details:📅 Date: May 16, 2026🕔 Time: 5:00 PM📍 Location: EBON Temple, 7001 Wallace Rd., Orlando, FL 32819
The program will feature speakers and singers, followed by a reception.
EBON Temple is a proud member of the Faith-based AIDS Coalition for Technical assistance and Services, a collective of faith-driven organizations committed to making a meaningful impact across every part of our community. A partnership with Positive Assistance, Inc.
Join us as we gather in unity—to remember, to honor, to educate, and to move forward together in hope.
Please take a moment to light a virtual candle
in honor and remembrance of those we have lost to this virus, and in tribute to the courageous individuals
who stood on the frontlines—fighting with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication—who are no longer with us. May each light reflect a life remembered,
a legacy honored, and a continued commitment to love, awareness, and community.
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Welcome to the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial!
If you would like to honor someone special to you that has passed away due to this virus or was a soldier on the front line of fighting this virus, please take a moment to fill out the form bellow to light your virtual candle. All memories will be read at the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial event held at EBON Temple.
Mark Johnson
CEO of Brotherhood
New Orleans, LA
I will always miss our conversations and thoughts of how we can do better to prevent the spread of HIV in our communities.
Candle lit by:
Rev. A.J. Johnson 2026
Sharon De'Cuir
Baton Rouge, Peer Navigator, Advocate, Case Manager
You are so very missed my sister. Thank you for IT ALL. Love you, rest sister.
Candle lit by:
Meta Smith Davis
Earl
Louisiana
I miss you Uncle Earl. We have shared great memories and fun times together. You will always be in my heart.
Candle lit by:
Sharita Robertson
Thomas Franklin III
Today, we light a virtual candle in honor of Thomas Franklin III—a tireless advocate, a compassionate servant, and a true champion in the fight for HIV prevention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Through his work with organizations such as NO/AIDS Task Force, N’R Peace, and Brotherhood Incorporated, Thomas poured his heart into uplifting others, educating communities, and saving lives. His legacy reminds us of the powerful words from the old song, “May the work I’ve done speak for me.” And indeed, his work speaks volumes—through every life touched, every barrier broken, and every moment of hope he helped create. As we reflect, we are grounded in the scripture from Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Thomas’ light shone brightly in service, in love, and in unwavering commitment to others. Even now, that light continues to guide and inspire us. May this candle symbolize not only remembrance, but a renewed commitment to carry forward the work he so faithfully led. His impact lives on. His light still shines.
Candle lit by:
Dr. Robert Swayzer III
Mr. Nolan
Baton Rouge, LA
Mr. Nolan was an older Disease Intervention Specialist in Baton Rouge, LA. His mind, body and soul were about stopping the spread of HIV. I learned a great deal from him, and he will always be missed.
Candle lit by:
Rev. A.J. Johnson 2026
B. Bernard Henson, Jr.
Orlando Florida
Thank you for sacrificing your life that I might LIVE!
Candle lit by:
Ida Starks
V. Dorcemont
Miami, FL
We love and we miss you!
Candle lit by:
Kelande Louis-Jeune
44.1 Million people have died from
AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic
In Florida, from 2020-2024, there were 3,010 HIV-related deaths
In Florida, from 2020-2024, there were 3,010 HIV-related deaths
15,421
People living with HIV in Orlando, FL, 2023
672People newly diagnosed with HIV in Orlando, FL, 2023
Efforts to improve awareness and reduce new infections are critical to ending the HIV epidemic. Understanding HIV
at the local level better equips communities to develop targeted HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
Sharon De'Cuir
Baton Rouge, Peer Navigator, Advocate, Case Manager
Sharon was a Positive Women's Network (PWN) leader and reproductive justice champion for all women living with HIV in Louisiana. She was a fierce advocate for women, girls, people living with HIV. She was the senior member for PWN-Louisiana Chapter, always showing up and supporting leaders through the south. Her resilience and unwavering determination meant that no challenge or adversity ever stopped her from making a lasting impact wherever she went, and her deep commitment to social justice was evident in every initiative she undertook. She is truly missed by many.
Candle lit by:
Millicent Foster &
Rev. A.J. Johnson
Anthony Johnson
Community Health Outreach Worker
Baton Rouge, LA
Although you are no longe with us, I will never forget all that you taught me. Your compassion towards your work was an example that has stuck in my heart everyday. You are never forgotten and always missed.
Candle lit by:Rev. A.J. Johnson
Candle lit by:Rev. A.J. Johnson