Discussing in great detail about how people can protect themselves from HIV/AIDS is not always an easy task, but it is an important one that needs to be addressed in the Black Belt.

Concordia College held a presentation for its students on Tuesday as a way to educate them about the dangers of having unprotected sex and the importance of abstinence.

The speaker for the event was Cedric Wherry, coordinator of Project I.M.P.A.C.T. (Increasing Minority Participation in AIDS Coalition Teams) and Project Safe Start with the Madison County Commission office.

In talking to this adult crowd, Wherry was not afraid to use words that are normally considered taboo to get his point across.

Wherry told his audience that it is almost pointless for parents to avoid talking about sex to their kids because they see it in their everyday lives.

Wherry added that the best thing people can do to protect themselves from the disease is to be aware that it still exists and understand how it can be contracted.

During his presentation, Wherry discussed how the HIV virus enters the human body and eventually causes AIDS. He also explained that out of 10 people with the virus, only one actually knows they have it.

Representatives from the Selma AIDS Information and Referral (A.I.R.) organization were also on hand to offer free testing for the students after the program.

Wherry said he has been doing is program for the past seven years and has traveled all over the state bring important information to the people who need it the most.