Justice Recognized in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Trenton, NJ (PRWEB) June 20, 2008 -- Rev. J. Stanley Justice, head pastor of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Trenton, New Jersey, will receive The Pocketbook Honors on June 28 in New York City. The award will be presented in a ceremony following a special performance of The Pocketbook Monologues.

The Pocketbook Honors is bestowed to community leaders who have exhibited a commitment to promoting awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS, with an emphasis on African-American women's sexuality, intimacy and responsibility. Honorees may be recognized for program implementation, creativity in outreach methods, philosophy, mission longevity and/or systemic solutions or alliances.

"Rev. Justice is a man of extraordinary vision and commitment," says Dr. Miriam Burnett, President R.A.P.H.A. Foundation, Inc.and award presenter. "His dedication to educating and mobilizing the New Jersey community in the fight against AIDS has been tremendous and it's with great appreciation that we present him with The Pocketbook Honors this year."

A native of Millsboro, Delaware, Rev. Justice completed his undergraduate work in elementary education at Delaware State University. He received his master's degree from the University of Delaware and completed his theological education at Yale Divinity School. Since receiving his calling to the pulpit, Justice has proved to be a powerful voice in the community and has led both his congregation and the community at large in facing the subject of HIV/AIDS head on, while many Christian leaders remained silent.

Whether appearing as a keynote speaker or panelist, Rev. Justice has strived to educate and enlighten the New Jersey community about the impact of HIV/AIDS, while promoting prevention. He has played an integral part in the Department of Health and Senior Services' Project F.A.I.T.H. program, helping to communicate culturally sensitive messages regarding the disease. He is also the co-author of Faith-Based Outreach and Rapid HIV Testing: An Initiative to Reduce Disparities in HIV Disease in New Jersey.

Rev. Justice is the recipient of the first-ever Mercer County consortium HIV/AIDS award. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey HDC-State Commission on HIV/AIDS and a member of the Governor's Task Force on HIV/AIDS And Other Blood Pathogens. He continues to mobilize community leaders to generate awareness and implement vital programs for the purpose of education and prevention.

This year the Pocketbook Honors will be presented to Rev. J. Stanley Justice, as well as Maxine Frere and Rev. Lynda T.Rassman in conjunction with the second anniversary celebration of the New York City premiere of The Pocketbook Monologues. The historic event will take place at the Helen Mills Theatre. Tickets are $35.00 for General Admission and $75.00 for VIP Seating, which also includes an autographed copy of The Pocketbook Monologues. 'Meet & Greet' Private Celebrity Reception tickets are also available. R.A.P.H.A. Foundation Inc., The Muse New York, and the Magnificent Women Organization are supporters of this entertaining event.

For more information about the show, or to purchase tickets, visit www.tpbmnyc.com.

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