LOS ANGELES, Calif. () — Thousands of people made strides together in the fight against HIV Sunday at West Hollywood Park.
For more than 40 years, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has gathered community members, advocates and supporters committed to raising money and demanding action in response to the AIDS crisis.
APLA Health CEO Craig E. Thompson said the walk is an opportunity to see people from all backgrounds coalesce around a common cause.
“I just love people coming together in community, and particularly this year, it’s been a really tough year for America,” Thompson said. “But this is a day for people to come together, remember, be community, feel as part of one, and feel like they’re making a difference and positive change.”
Sunday’s event also brought out entertainers excited to lend their voices and support.
Singer and former “American Idol” star David Archuleta was among a list of celebrities who spent the weekend raising awareness.
“It just feels so great,” Archuleta said. “The energy is so wonderful here, feels so wholesome and lovely that everyone here comes with such pure and wonderful intentions to help.”
Actor and comedian Joel Kim Booster also showed his support, helping bring attention to a cause that continues to affect communities across the country.
“(There’s an) old saying ‘silence equals violence,’ and I think that it’s really easy today to think they, we have moved past a certain point in our culture with being outspoken about things like this, being transparent and being open,” Booster said. “I think events like this are still extremely vital to our community.”
7’s Niku Kazori emceed the event from the stage at West Hollywood Park, with Booster on hand to help APLA Health award actress and activist Michaela Jae Rodriguez with its first-ever Voice of Visibility Award.
Leaders across LA said continued community awareness and understanding are essential to sustaining the work and support people living with HIV.
“Threats from the federal government have put funding for HIV healthcare in jeopardy, but we know that APLA (Health) and this community have been absolutely, consistently dedicated to investing in this work,” LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.
The walk’s legacy also lives on through younger generations.
Students from Oakwood School have participated in every AIDS Walk since the event began in 1985, making the school one of only four groups to maintain that record.
For the 15th year, 7 Los Angeles was proud to support AIDS Walk, serving as a grand sponsor in 2026.
Since 1985, the event has raised nearly $100 million toward its goal of eradicating HIV and AIDS in our lifetime.
There is still time to give to help APLA Health reach its goal of $1,025,000 for this year’s walk.
To make a donation, visit aidswalkla.org.
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