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FeedThe thoughts and words of Andrew Mitchell
Life has tested Andrew Parrish Mitchell in many ways, from HIV to hepatic cancer. But his attitude remains positive. “My grandmother, Lucille Thompson, was my superhero and the most influential individual in my life,” says Mitchell. “She did not see giving up as an option; therefore I am committed to playing out the hand life has dealt me with dignity and purpose.”
Mitchell, who was born and raised in Buffalo, lives his life to the fullest and is involved in the community as an activist, spoken word artist, filmmaker, and mentor. He is also a board member for Squeaky Wheel, an organization dedicated to the creation and presentation of art.
“I cannot imagine a world without art; it moves you mentally, emotionally and often physically,” says Mitchell. “My role on the Squeaky board grew out of volunteering and attending many of the exhibits and performances. The wide range of artists displayed assured me that I too had a valid artistic voice with something meaningful to say.”
Dorothea Braemer, executive director of Squeaky Wheel, knew from the moment she met Mitchell that he was a very special individual. “Andrew is a very charismatic and giving person, full of energy and ideas, particularly in the area of AIDS activism and awareness raising,” says Braemer. “Even now that he is battling cancer, he has an enormous amount of energy and desire to live fully. He is just an enormous inspiration to many different people.”
“As a long term survivor of HIV infection,” Mitchell says, “I feel a responsibility to spread a message of prevention and awareness. My recent cancer diagnosis is another challenge, and it’s a catalyst to accomplish my life’s purpose in an expedient manner.”
On Sunday, December 13, Mitchell hosts Thoughts and Words/The Face of HIV, at Squeaky Wheel (712 Main Street). It’s an event that aims to raise awareness and funds for the issues he experiences every day. Scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the night includes a screening of his documentary Less Than Perfect, a live spoken word performance, and an exhibit of portraiture. In addition, there will be several raffles, including a 50/50 split.
According to Mitchell, those who attend “can expect to be educated, entertained and emotionally moved, to step into someone else’s shoes and appreciate the experience on multiple levels.” He hopes that these individuals “will leave with a greater sensitivity on the issues of HIV and cancer, and … do their part in reducing stigma and exclusion” by spreading the message of prevention to those who might normally fail to receive it.
“It will be an event that will bring different communities together in one room, something that rarely happens,” says Braemer. “I expect there will be people from the AIDS community, the spoken word community, the filmmaking community, the religious community, the preservation community and more—these are all areas in which Andrew is active and has created meaningful connections.”
Proceeds will benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Squeaky Wheel/Buffalo Media Resources, two organizations that hold great significance for Mitchell. “Roswell Park strives endlessly to discover a cure for cancer and provide top notch patient care, despite an ever growing budget. Squeaky Wheel is a nonprofit organization struggling to present various forms of art to all of Buffalo in the midst of a recessional economy and fewer financial contributions,” says Mitchell. “Both are of great importance to me, and have added tremendously to my life. For the work they perform, I find them worthy of my support.”
Reader Comments:
Wow!!! As a black gay male who is AIDS is living with, I have to commend and encourage the brother to not give up. I was diagnosed with PCP and a T-cell count of 50 and was given 4 days to live. Well that was 7 years ago and by the grace of God I am still here. T-cell count is over 700 and God is still good!!! Be encouraged my brother.