1/28/08 - Ovahness Leadership Team Shines in Oakland
2008 NAESM African American HIV leadership Conference in Oakland California, January 24-27, 2008 - The Ovahness Leadership Team along with Martha Chono-Helsley, Executive Director and Tyrone Carter, Manager of young Men’s Health Programs aimed at building the capacity of young men of color through HIV and health education advocacy attended the 2008 NAESM African American HIV leadership Conference in Oakland California, January 24-27, 2008. 
One team members announced, “This is my first time flying”. The group of young men where excited to present in the session entitled Community Mobilization and Awareness the Ovahness program and the award winning documentary ‘I’m Still Here: Becoming Legendary” which was very well received. The staff and young men where bombarded with question and compliments. The young men attended a variety of workshops focused on HIV Prevention and developing leadership skills. Those youth who attended were Stephan Daniels, Devaughn Sherman, Kyle Butler, Pierre Porter, Peter Singleton, Stacy Alford, Angelo Martinez, Enrique Hernandez and Chris Blades.
Unbeknown to Chrst Blades, REACH LA Outreach Coordinator and Ovahness Leadership Team member was nominated for his work. Christ Blades received and standing ovation when honored with this award “The Harold Philpot Award, outstanding community service, dedication, and contributions to remove HIV/AIDS from the African American MSM community.