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.
REACH LA honored both Sean and Armond with the community service award grant. Both Sean and Armond have shown commitment, leadership, dedication and commitment to their community. They have volunteered hours working for not only REACH LA, but also the community at large. These young men have constantly shown that they are beyond dependable and can take the initiative to get any job done! Sean and Armond have been instrumental in many of the ventures the Ovahness program has participated in within the last year. Their hard work and commitment is greatly appreciated and valued. Thanks Guys!!!
REACH LA’s Queer Youth Nation survey of LGBT youth video production celebrated its 5th anniversary year at OUTFEST by screening a selection of the some of the best shorts included in the program over the last five years. The aim Queer Youth Nation is to showcase the unique stories of LGBTQ youth of color and to inspire other young people to tell their stories through digital media. 
REACH LA premiered a new documentary that focuses on creativity and self-preservation in on the Los Angeles House and Ball Community. It features interviews with LA House parents and youth involved with the Ball scene that also work as HIV prevention educators. At the FUSION opening Friday night festivities REACH LA organized a mini-ball that was a huge success and got audiences excited about the documentary screening. On Sunday December 3rd REACH LA premiered I’m Still Here: Becoming Legendary to a standing room only audience at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood and received lots of positive feedback. To top off the day “I’m Still Here won the FUSION Audience Award for Best Documentary Short at the Festival! That same day, REACH LA also offered HIV prevention awareness games, condom races, tongue billiards, and fake tattoos in the Egyptian Theater courtyard for film audiences, and arranged for free HIV testing on-site at the festival.
Ana Lopez REACH LA video artist, co-founder of “