Rapper Flo Rida joins AHF for 18th annual ‘AIDS Walk and Music Festival’ in Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE Fla. – Thousands of people packed the streets of Fort Lauderdale for the 18th annual “Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival” Saturday morning.

“The Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival not only will raise more than $2 million for local HIV/AIDS services but also will include a call to action for attendees to speak out against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ discriminatory and hateful “Don’t Say Gay” bill,” the AIDS Healthcare Foundation said in a news release.

Internationally acclaimed rapper, singer and composer Flo Rida also performed for the crowd after the 5k walk.

Flo Rida, a Carol City native, launched his career in 2008 with his breakout single “Low” and has sold more than 80 million records worldwide.

AHF is the world’s largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS service organization.

Event organizers said they expect more than 2,000 attendees and will raise more than $2 million for 12 local, non-profit organizations providing HIV/AIDS services throughout the South Florida community.

The event also featured children’s games, food trucks, various family-focused activities, and resource booths sharing information on health and wellness services.

About HIV/AIDS in Florida

According to recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

  • Florida ranks in the top five states in the number of new HIV diagnoses.
  • Three Florida cities made the nation’s top 15 when it comes to the number of people living with HIV. Miami is at the top of the list.
  • Jacksonville and Orlando hold the 10th and 11th spots
  • Miami-Dade and Broward counties ranked top in the state for new HIV diagnoses.

About the Author:

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.