Gil Robertson’s New Book Speaks of AIDS in African American Community!

Not In My Family: AIDS in the African American Community by Gil Robertson
New book by Gil Robertson, IV!

World AIDS Day 2006 is Friday, December 1, 2006 and on that day, Gil Robertson, IV will release “Not In My Family: AIDS in the African American Community” (Agate Publishing). This effort by Robertson is a conscious attempt to spread AIDS awareness where it has taken the most direct toll, the African American Community.

“Not in My Family” is a compilation of essays from famous faces as well as ordinary people. Contributors for this book include Patti LaBelle, Mo’Nique, Hill Harper, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Jasmine Guy, and many more.

The back of “Not In My Family” reads “At long last, the time has come: the time for African American people to face the scourge that has affected it disproportionately for years, and to break through the cultural inhibitions that have prevented them from dealing with it head on. This landmark collection of personal essays, stories, brief memoirs, and polemics from a broad swath of black Americans-whether prominent figures from the worlds of politics, entertainment, or sports, or just ordinary folks with extraordinary -stories whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS-will galvanize public attention around this issue.”

“Not in Family: AIDS in the African American Community is a collection of unforgettable stories that delivers messages of love, courage, hope and compassion. Representing various segments of the African American community, this anthology is a body of work that is long overdue. I applaud Gil Robertson for his efforts in breaking the silence about the threat of HIV & AIDS in black communities.”

–John Singleton (Oscar nominated filmmaker)

Gil Robertson, IV, is a noted columnist that has graced the pages of Essence, Billboard, The Source, the Los Angeles Times and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He received his B.A. in Political Science from Cal State Los Angeles. Robertson is the founder of the 10-year old national syndicated Arts & Lifestyle column, The Robertson Treatment.

Gil Robertson, IV Tour Dates:

JANUARY 2007

Atlanta, GA – January 13th event/signing OutWrite Book Store

Baton Rouge – January 24th event by contributor Dr. Rani Whitfield host Robertson for NIMF workshop and signing – additional details forthcoming

Memphis, TN – January 27 signing at Barnes & Noble #2224

New York – January date pending event with Rev. Al Sharpton

FEBRUARY 2007

Washington DC – February 7th event at National Press Club with Congressional Black Caucus

New York – February date pending event in conjunction with NY Gay Men’s Health Care.

Los Angeles, CA – Black Hollywood event to presented with AIDS Healthcare Foundation at the Rivera Country Club.

MAY 2007

St. Louis – NIMF discussion and signing event in coordination with St. Louis Public Library System and Left Bank Books.

AUGUST 2007

Las Vegas – NABJ Conference 2007 NIMF panel discussion August 2007

NOVEMBER 2007

Memphis – Church of God and Christ Conference NIMF event. Concert featuring artist from NIMF CD (book signing event included)

Event dates in Chicago, Detroit, SFO/Oakland are forthcoming.

Visit Gil Robertson, IV online at www.robertsontreatment.com and learn more about “Not in My Family.”

Michael J. Burt is a poet and the author of two volumes, who interviews authors and reviews books.