Bono To Be In Lincoln For World AIDS Day

11.19.02 - Omaha World-Herald

Bono, lead singer of the rock group U2, will appear in Lincoln Dec. 1 in conjunction with World AIDS Day. AIDS and debt relief in Africa are Bono's chief political causes.

According to Joe Gerstandt of the Nebraska AIDS Project, Bono and several African colleagues will conduct an evening program at the Lied Center for Performing Arts to raise awareness of the growing public health crisis on the continent.

Bono chose Lincoln, Gerstandt said, because it's home to Save Sub-Saharan Orphans, a volunteer group that raises money for African orphanages.

AIDS and debt relief in Africa are Bono's chief political causes.

Details of the visit were still being worked out Monday, Gerstandt said.

This is the 14th World AIDS Day. It was started in 1988 to promote understanding of the disease and to bring about social tolerance.

Last May, Bono traveled to Africa with U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill to draw attention to the continent's needs.

The singer and activist is a member of Artists Against AIDS Worldwide, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and money needed to help those affected by AIDS, especially in Africa.

AAAW members raise money from the general public, governments and corporations and encourage countries to forgive debt of Third World nations.

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