In honor of National HIV Testing Day (June 27), Common teamed up with MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation for the A Minute lyrics contest where participants were encouraged to create lyrics that would encourage HIV testing among young people.
The winner contest, Jose Rivera, had his lyrics performed yesterday by Common in a one minute commercial that aired on MTV and continue to air throughout the summer.
“It’s important to know your status by getting tested because HIV/AIDS is taking a lot of lives in our community and around the world. I had an uncle succumb to HIV, so I’ve personally felt the impact of the disease,” Common said in a statement. “Your lyrics can really have an effect on people’s lives and I’ve seen it happen.”
18-year-old Rivera recently graduated from high school and looks forward to pursuing a career in automobile technology at Northeast Community College, but also aspires to be a writer.
“It’s amazing to hear my words spoken by Common. Hopefully, together we’re able to get people thinking and persuade them to take a minute and get tested,” Rivera said in a statement.
The commercial can also be viewed here along with a blog by Rivera, photos and videos from the PSA shoot, and lyrics from the top 10 contestants.
Reported by Danielle Harling
