Calming The Storm

Zakia McKensey and Gonzalo Bearman. Photos by Michael Simon

“Voices from Richmond’s Hidden Epidemic,” the newest exhibition offered by The Valentine, tells personal stories through oral histories and black-and-white photographic portraits of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in Richmond.

Richmond is currently ranked 19th nationally, and in the state’s capitol, women make up a quarter of new HIV diagnoses. The rate of HIV infection is exacerbated by high concentrations of poverty, lack of sex education in public schools, and the continuing opioid epidemic. 

Laura Browder and Patricia Herrera, professors at the University of Richmond, compiled 30 oral histories to help highlight opportunities for change in response to the epidemic. Local photographer Michael Simon took the black-and-white photographic portraits to support the oral histories. 

“Most people outside of the public health community think that HIV is a disease that primarily affects gay, white men. We learned how far from reality that is,” Browder said. “The people represented in the exhibition include great-grandmothers, undocumented immigrants, college professors, church deacons and transgendered people. They include public health officials, HIV educators, medical providers, activists, and those who have lost loved ones to HIV.”

The Valentine’s exhibit, on display until May 25, offers insight into the HIV/AIDS crisis through the stories of survivors, caregivers, activists, and healthcare workers on the front line.  

“Featuring the powerful oral histories collected by Laura and Patricia and Michael’s phenomenal photography, we hope this exhibition contributes to an important ongoing discussion about the true impact of HIV/AIDS on the Richmond community,” according to Bill Martin, director of The Valentine.

The Valentine is located at 1015 E. Clay St., Richmond, Va. 23219. For more information on The Valentine or exhibits, call 804-649-0711 or visit the website.