Debbie Allen reflects on the AIDS Epidemic and how she lost half of her dance company to it while accepting Humanitarian Angel Award at Project Angel Food’s Angel Awards.
Project Angel Food was founded in 1989 by activist Marianne Williamson and it focused on giving food to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Since then, the foundation expanded to provide meals to people who are battling various illnesses and facing food insecurities. Allen was presented the award by her “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star, Jesse Williams.
In her speech, spoke about the early days of AIDS Epidemic and the tragic lost that she had to endure. “Project Angel Food has a very special place in my heart because ‘Fame’ is a big part of my life,” Allen said. “I lost half of my dance company to AIDS, and that was tough. That was hard. And to have an organization that at its beginnings, that’s the focus and the core … to help those who are being treated like [they have] leprosy and not allowed to be part of the team. And I’m so grateful for that.”
She continued, “This is ground zero towards humanity. It’s something that we need to remember, something that we got to get back to. We kind of lost our moral spine in this country. We not our brother and our sisters’ keepers anymore. We have to go and give back to those who are in need and those who can’t help themselves.”
Debbie Allen is an award-winning actress, producer, choreographer, director, and philanthropist. She founded the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and the Debbie Allen Middle School in Los Angeles.