By: Haley Silverman, Ben Bruni, Daria Montgomery, and Kalie Seaton Today

Over the years, African Americans have faced hardships and discrimination. Today, we are a blended society, filled with more equal rights. Yet, still their past is affecting them, and that is affecting how they are viewed today. Some famous events that have happened recently should be more important than their past. Introduction

African Americans connect in many different ways. They have suffered together through pain and disease. Now they must face a new epidemic… HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS Background Information During 2009 an estimated 1.3 million adults and children died as a result of AIDS in a Sub- Saharan Africa. Since the beginning of 2009 to current day more than 15 million Africans have died from AIDS. Botswana, for example lost 17% of its healthcare work force due to AIDS between 1999 to % of men and women who have AIDS and HIV are the ages 25 to 34.

The Sad Stories Mary Mwasi, a young mother in Botswana, has to look among the streets in order to provide food for them. Every morning she wakes with the aching pain of knowing she has to live with AIDS and still be able to provide for her children even without a job.

Today, the threat of AIDS is still very strong, but African American’s in this time period still find time for music. Most of the rappers today are African Americans who face discrimination. Yet, still they are able to express their talent with their words.

The Evolution of Rap Rap has evolved from young kids and graffiti to violence to some of the greatest music there is today. Rap really started because of the African Bambaataa (Bam) Made his gang make music and helped evolve rap. A large percent of African Americans faced conditions close to poverty and then they started making music and wrote songs about there life.

Modern day Rap Some great rappers are…

From Bam to Barack From Rap evolution to the first black president all in fifty years that is some accomplishment.

Barack Obama’s Inauguration  2 million people  A speech  The new President It all starts in Washington D.C.

Barack Obama Born in Hawaii, he is an American citizen. He has felt very strongly about his people, and learned a lot about his culture. Michelle Obama, is the new first lady, and Barack Obama’s wife. They have two kids, and have recently added a dog to their family. Even though he didn’t have much political experience he refused to give up. On February 10, 2007 he started his political campaign to become president. He overcame John McCain and now currently leads the country. “I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure, that it will prevail, that the dream of our founders will live on in our time.” -Barack Obama

The Tag Team From one influential president to a very important woman who has touched many lives and helped many in hard times.

Oprah Winfrey’s Academy For Girls  Started with a tough childhood and determination  The dream came is 2004  Many donation came in to reach a high amount of about $40 million dollars.

The dream came true in 2007 when the Academy had first opened. The program would start math, natural science, technology, art, culture, social, management services, and leadership, economic, life orientation, and world languages. The grade started with 7 th and 8 th graders and will move to 7 th through 12 th graders.