Some historians have suggested that when future generations study the time we live in, what will stand out won’t be the wars on terrorism or our economic woes, but the spread of HIV and AIDS. Whether or not the disease has struck someone close to home, its presence and impact are inescapable. Despite notable advancements by the scientific community, it is a threat that remains unconquered. In honor of World AIDS Day, the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) and the Mecklenburg County Health Department will share the stories of members in our community living with HIV and AIDS through The Voices Project.

Local celebrities will gather on stage at Actor's Theatre of Charlotte to lend their voices to the first-person stories. Among those scheduled to speak are:

• Roberta Dunn, Political Activist
• Nepherterra Estrada, Pride Magazine
• Morgan Fogarty, Anchor, Fox News Charlotte
• Matt Harris, Co-host, Matt & Ramona Show, 107.9 The Link
• Mike Kitchen, Promoter, owner of The Sol Kitchen
• Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Unity Fellowship Church
• Scott Weaver, Artist

The event will be held Thursday, Dec. 1, and is free and open to the public. VIP reserved seating is available for $75. The VIP ticket price includes a pre-event reception at 5:30 p.m., featuring appetizers from Dandelion Market and beer and wine. General admission tickets will be issued when the box office opens at 6:30 p.m. To purchase VIP tickets, visit www.carolinarain.org/voicestickets.