On Sunday, October 12, members of Ayala’s Key Club made the journey to West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, joining thousands of friends, family, and those affected by AIDS, in the 41st annual LA AIDS Walk. An event for advocacy, but also a call for unity and celebration, the LA AIDS walk possesses a rich history and has grown throughout the years to be a beautiful day that highlights the power of community.

LA AIDS Walk is an annual fundraising event for HIV and AIDS services in LA whose funds support local organizations for HIV prevention and treatment. 40 years ago, the first walk to raise awareness during the peak of the HIV and AIDS crisis was on the streets of Los Angeles, as though those who refused to accept silence from the government decided to take a stand. Ever since, LA AIDS Walk has been organized by AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), a non-profit organization, which has raised almost $100 million since its beginnings in 1985.

Now, the tradition has been passed down through the generations, building a community of those who are determined to uphold the progress those before them have strived so hard to make. Enlightening those who may not be aware, LA AIDS Walk is a joint effort to continue the fight those predecessors have started.

“It is a really important topic, especially to high schoolers who have not been informed about [AIDS] previously,” Alice Diep (10), a Key Club member who participated in the event, said.

Recent years have only further emphasized the necessity to attend and hold such events. Despite facing large, daunting funding cuts, the event still saw significant attendance from supporters of the cause who continue to choose courage and hope in trying times. Walk participants, from different backgrounds but united with the same beliefs, crowded the park through the morning and afternoon, all ready to show their unwavering support.

“Many people from the county, out of the state, and out of the country came to the event and supported each and every program for the AIDS walk,” Simmr Narwal (10), a participant in the walk, said.

The event was characterized by the festivities it possessed, further elevating the spirits of those there. Dazzling colors, merry music, and grins featured on each and every face of the walkers created a sun-filled day of liveliness.

“The atmosphere of the event felt like a powerful combination of celebration, resilience, and remembrance,” Narwhal said. “There was definitely a mix of emotions, but overall it felt really nice to walk for the people that were or are struggling.”

On top of raising vital funds for HIV and AIDS services, those walking were also there to help spread accurate health education and reduce harmful stigmas. LA AIDS Walk remains vital by raising awareness about HIV, preventing misinformation that runs rampant in this current political climate.

Along with serving as a learning moment for those Key Club members who came to the event, it was also a meaningful gathering of joy and hope. With the hardships around the world currently, events like these that strengthen unity, are a bright light that shows what people must fight for.

“My favorite moment was actually during the walk,” Diep said. “There was a band playing and it was super fun to be walking with people who also supported the cause. It was super meaningful to not only the Ayala Key Club members but also to the people of LA.”

Without a doubt, the LA AIDS Walk created lasting and cherished memories for those who participated. Students at Ayala were overtaken by the pure positivity the event contained, as the walk is proof that taking a stand makes a difference.

“I would do this event again because it promotes advocacy and change within our community especially here at Ayala especially with the things going on in the world today,” Danviga Karthik (10), UCC Representative, said.

A beautiful showcase of unification that the world needs right now, LA AIDS Walk is a living testament to the power of the masses. Students at Ayala should all try to experience this event, if not in their high school career then in their future beyond Ayala. For all those who need an uplifting story, LA AIDS Walk is that beacon of hope.

“It brings a sense of community to Ayala because it shows that no one’s alone and that they always have someone to rely on,” Karthik said.