Sir Elton John’s AIDS Foundation, in association with Def Mix, has established a charity fund in honor of the Godfather of House Frankie Knuckles, who died on March 31, to support HIV information, testing and treatment. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the largest private funding institutions for AIDS in the world.
“Frankie was such a lovely man and a great talent and his legacy provides a powerful voice to reach out to people, particularly men of colour, about their essential role in helping to create an AIDS-free future.”
“Through the creation of this Fund, Frankie Knuckles’ music industry legacy will be transformed into a movement for health and empowerment in the Black community,” said EJAF-US Executive Director Scott Campbell. “In the United States, Black Americans represent only 13% of the population, but account for 46% of people living with HIV. Frankie’s name and image can help us reach into Black communities with urgently needed information and services.”
A memorial service for Knuckles is planned for today in Chicago, with a second taking place in New York City on April 22. Additional memorials will take place around the world.
Donations to the fund can be made here.
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