March 1, 2002 — Seven-time Grammy nominee and popular Motown recording artist, India.Arie, will head up the 14th Annual AIDS Walk New Jersey on Sunday, May 19th. India.Arie understands the need to find inner strength and determination, especially for those living with HIV/AIDS. Her song, "Strength, Courage and Wisdom," from her platinum-selling debut Acoustic Soul, suggests the critical ability to call upon this inner strength.

AIDS Walk New Jersey welcomes India.Arie to the ranks of former Chairs: Gloria Gaynor, Queen Latifah and Savion Glover. "I am pleased to be able to help AIDS Walk New Jersey promote awareness in a state that ranks fifth in the nation in the number of reported AIDS cases." New Jersey also has the highest proportion of women with HIV/AIDS and the third highest number of pediatric cases in the country. The number of AIDS related orphans in Newark alone is estimated to be over 15,000. Because the African-American population is so hard hit in New Jersey, such a positive role model is likely to make a significant impact on new registrants.

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, the state's largest and oldest AIDS service provider, produces AIDS Walk New Jersey, which benefits other New Jersey AIDS service providers in the state as well. Hyacinth AIDS Foundation focuses on the needs of New Jerseyans living with HIV/AIDS. Supportive services, treatment advocacy, education, legal assistance and prevention are at the core of Hyacinth's work. Reaching more than 50,000 New Jerseyans annually through educational programs, HAF educates people about the facts, enabling them to become aware of who is at risk and how they can protect themselves.

India.Arie has signed the AIDS Walk New Jersey recruitment letter (sent to 10,000 potential walkers) and is scheduled to record Public Service Announcements to be played on radio stations throughout the state. Schedule permitting, India. is also planning to attend the event on Sunday, May 19th 2002, with walk-off at 1pm, in New Brunswick.