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HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent, who formed a special bond with Magic Johnson, passes away
Hydeia Broadbent embarked on a journey of advocacy and activism for HIV/AIDS from a very young age. Born with the virus, she became a leading figure in raising awareness and fighting the stigma associated with the disease.
At just 7 years old, Broadbent boldly proclaimed on a Nickelodeon news special that people with HIV/AIDS are “just normal people.” This caught the attention of basketball legend Magic Johnson, who had announced his own diagnosis a few months earlier. Johnson and Broadbent formed a special bond, with Johnson recognizing her courage and determination in bringing light to the issue.
On Wednesday, Hydeia Broadbent passed away at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience. Her father, Loren Broadbent, announced her passing on Facebook, highlighting her unwavering commitment to spreading hope and positivity through education about HIV/AIDS.
Johnson, in a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter), remembered Broadbent as an incredible activist and hero, acknowledging the impact she had made on the world and the HIV/AIDS community. He shared a video clip of their interaction on “Nick News with Linda Ellerbee” and reflected on the profound influence that Broadbent had on millions of lives.
Broadbent’s journey began when she was adopted by her parents, Loren and Patricia, as a newborn. It wasn’t until she fell seriously ill at the age of 3 that they discovered she was born with HIV. By age 5, the virus had developed into AIDS, and it was later revealed that her biological mother was an intravenous drug addict.
Despite the challenges she faced, Broadbent continued to be a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness. At just 6 years old, she made her first public address, and by age 7, she appeared alongside Magic Johnson and Linda Ellerbee on Nickelodeon after Johnson’s announcement of his diagnosis. Her courageous statement on the show, combined with her emotional vulnerability, left a lasting impact on the audience.
As an adult, Broadbent continued to be a prominent voice in the HIV/AIDS community, participating in various advocacy campaigns and awareness efforts. She emphasized the harsh realities of the disease, challenging misconceptions and promoting education about HIV/AIDS and its impact on individuals and society.
Her dedication and unwavering commitment to making a difference earned her the respect and admiration of countless individuals, including Magic Johnson. He, along with many others, mourned the loss of this remarkable young woman and paid tribute to her indomitable spirit and legacy.
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.