The student body enjoyed free music and received information on safe sex in front of the T.H. Harris auditorium on Tuesday afternoon. Grambling was one of the many stops on the Grooveline “Music is Life” tour. The tour’s purpose is to speak out to college students about safe sex and HIV/AIDS prevention.
“We are trying to educate and inform our people; we want to save lives,” said Eric Robinson, editor-in-chief of Grooveline.
Hosted by the Campus Aids Prevention (CAP), the event was sponsored by Pepsi, Sam Goody, and Red Cafe and others.
During the event, CAP passed out condoms and brochures that had information on safe sex and abstinence.
“The purpose of this event was to get [the students] involved and get them motivated,” said Dana Howard, head of CAP. “We want them to know there are artists who are promoting safer sex and abstinence, because they are concerned about the black community.”
The Grooveline concert featured several performing groups such as 214, Czar-Nok, Naypalm, and M.O.NE.Y, but the main headliner of the event was Choppa.
“It’s sad right now. A lot of people are falling victim to [AIDS],” said Choppa. “If I can say something to change things, I’m here.”
Many of the artists that performed are hoping to influence the reduction of the spread of HIV on campus.
“Whether entertainers know it or not or like it or not, we’re still role models,” said Hollywood, a member of the “Crunk&B” group 214. “Who better to spread the word than entertainers.”
During the performances, Pimpin’ Ken spoke to the students about the AIDS virus and how important it was for them to protect themselves.
“It’s important for celebrities to use their [status] to make others conscious and enlighten them as Buddha would have done,” said Ken.
The “Music is Life” tour has already been to Galveston, Texas and Southern University. The tour will visit Jackson State, Mississipi Valley State, and Southern University at Shreveport.