About The Order

In war, when a soldier saves the life of another person or a captain comes home with troops alive, they are given the highest state honors any government can offer. They are heroes, forever remembered for their acts of extraordinary measure.

The Order of the Red Warrior was birthed from this very fact. Years of working on the forefront of HIV/AID, I have had the honor to meet with seemingly ordinary people living with HIV who are actually warriors of extraordinary strength, heart and courage: actively fighting to save the lives of people in their communities and beyond. These men and women, young and old are hero’s of a war that is less visible to the world, and yet far more connected to each one of us in the day to day.

To be given the title “The Order of....” or to be inducted into an Order is the highest honor presented to citizens by the majority of African governments, for acts of heroism, patriotism or exceptional leadership.

“The Red Warrior” Red for the AIDS ribbon and red warrior, born deeply from the context of battle. Warriors often emerge. They are tested and proven, having shown tremendous heroism, fortitude and victory in the face of threat, war or invasion. They are once ordinary people who transition to become warriors in a moment’s decision to protect and fight for the lives and rights of their community when danger comes.

This page is dedicated to the Heroes whose lives I have the honor to tell the stories of: That you would know their names and the magnitude of impact their single life makes. These are the stories of the #RedRibbonWarrior: Men and women living with HIV in Africa (and I hope to extend beyond) who are on the front line in their villages and cities, giving their lives to impact and preserve the lives of others.

They are our present day heroes who are deserving of the highest of honors and for their stories must be told to shatter perceptions and change the narrative around HIV/AIDS, what it means to live with HIV and break down the stigmas that are more of a threat than the virus itself.

This is the Order Of The Red Warrior.