Rae Lewis-Thornton Reflects on Groundbreaking Essence Cover
A Decade-Long Journey of Activism and Resilience
Observed Dec. 1, World AIDS Day raises awareness about the illness and commemorates millions of lives lost. Back in 1994, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was the leading cause of death for people ages 25 to 44 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among that age group, the death rate was nearly four times as high for Black men compared to white men, and nine times as high for Black women compared to white women.
At the time, Rae Lewis-Thornton, a 32-year-old professional, was newly married, well-dressed, and attractive. And she was dying of AIDS.
That stark truth was broadcast to the world on the groundbreaking cover of Essence magazine, which featured Lewis-Thornton wearing an elegant dress and a solemn expression. It was a wake-up call for Black women who were not centered in HIV/AIDS health campaigns or media coverage. And it was a launching pad for Lewis-Thornton, whose activism has no doubt saved lives.
“I never thought that I would live 30 years after the article,” said Lewis-Thornton, now 62. “And I was sick enough that I should have died.”
A Life of Overcoming Adversity
Lewis-Thornton has been overcoming adversity since her childhood on Chicago’s South Side. Born to a teenage mother, she was raised by her grandmother and struggled with poverty and homelessness.
But she persevered, earning a college degree and working on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaigns. She was a force to be reckoned with, and her activism would eventually take her to the cover of Essence magazine.
A Decade of Activism
The Essence cover, which featured Lewis-Thornton in a elegant dress and a solemn expression, was a game-changer. It raised awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on Black women and launched Lewis-Thornton as a prominent AIDS activist.
She went on to speak across the country, winning a Chicago Emmy Award for a first-person news feature on WBBM-Channel 2. Her activism was crucial, as Black women were often excluded from treatment efforts.
“They were very ignored,” said Dr. Mardge Cohen, Lewis-Thornton’s former doctor. “The public service announcements didn’t address them. We got so many women feeling sick with symptoms never being addressed by their usual providers. So, I think she made an incredible contribution to Black women and all women understanding that this was something that they should care about.”
A Legacy of Resilience
Lewis-Thornton’s legacy extends far beyond her activism. She has written a memoir, “Unprotected,” which chronicles her journey with HIV. She has also earned a master’s degree in divinity and manages estate sales.
But despite her many accomplishments, Lewis-Thornton is still living with HIV. She takes nine pills a day, battles irritable bowel syndrome, and endures pain in her hand potentially from osteoporosis.
“Aging with this disease is no cakewalk,” she said. “That’s a discussion that we don’t have because we want people to be hopeful. And then the stigma and isolation causes depression, especially for seniors with HIV. And when depression sets in, you don’t follow your medicine regimen. There’s this vicious cycle that still happens.”
A Call to Action
As Lewis-Thornton looks to the future, she is focused on creating awareness about the challenges of aging with HIV. She is also passionate about promoting trauma-informed healthcare and advocating for funding to close the gaps in HIV treatment.
“I hope to do some more writing and take my seminary education and my lived experience and hit the road to talk about how we live our best life,” she said.
Conclusion
Rae Lewis-Thornton’s story is one of resilience, activism, and hope. Her journey has inspired countless people, and her legacy will continue to make a difference for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Rae Lewis-Thornton to become an AIDS activist?
A: Lewis-Thornton was inspired by her own experiences living with HIV and the lack of awareness and support for Black women affected by the disease.
Q: What was the impact of the Essence cover on Lewis-Thornton’s activism?
A: The Essence cover raised awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on Black women and launched Lewis-Thornton as a prominent AIDS activist.
Q: What is Lewis-Thornton’s current focus?
A: Lewis-Thornton is currently focused on creating awareness about the challenges of aging with HIV, promoting trauma-informed healthcare, and advocating for funding to close the gaps in HIV treatment.
