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Featured Article
April is STD Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise public awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on the lives of Americans, and the importance of individuals discussing sexual health with their health care providers, and if sexually active, their partners.
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Dear STAR Supporter,
On Tuesday, April 22, 2008, S.T.A.R. Foundation, actresses Regina King, Tamala Jones, and Jill Marie Jones hosted an all-girls assembly entitled "I Am My Own Prevention" at Westchester High School in Los Angeles, California in an effort to raise awareness to the increasing number of minority females whom are contracting STDs and HIV.
During the assembly, female students had the opportunity to ask the actresses they admire difficult questions they have about sex, prevention, and relationships.
The Foundation's Founder, along with the actresses and guests, all shared their innermost personal stories regarding relationships, childhood experiences, and how we overcame certain obstacles.
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 Jill Marie Jones may best be known for starring as Toni Childs, the somewhat self-involved, materialistic friend in UPN's comedy "Girlfriends."
Currently filming in Louisiana, Jill can next be seen opposite Ice Cube in the Fred Durst-directed Dimension Films production "The Longshots" about the true story of the first female to play in Pop Warner football at age 11, slated for release July 25, 2008.
Ms. Jones exudes flawless beauty, embodies talent, and possesses versatility that sets her apart in each and every performance. |
Tamala Jones started out as a teen model for magazine ads and television commercials. She began appearing on television in her early twenties in such TV shows as "The Parent 'Hood," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "The Wayans Bros.," and "ER."
Jones also starred in a number of films; to name a few, "Blue Streak" (1999), "Next Friday" (2000), "Kingdom Come" (2001), "Two Can Play That Game" (2001), "The Brothers (2001), "Head of State" (2003), "Who's Your Caddy?" (2007), and "Daddy Day Camp" (2007). She will appear in the upcoming films "Show Stoppers," "American Dream," "Thug Passion," "The Hustle," and "The Black Man's Guide to Understanding Black Women."
The 5' 4" poised African-American actress with bright eyes and smooth skin was voted as one of "The 10 Sexiest Women of the Year" in 2000 and 2001 by "Black Men Magazine." |
 Who doesn't own or have viewed a movie that Regina King has starred in???
King began her acting career in 1985 in the role of Marla Gibbs' daughter Brenda on the television series "227," a role she played until 1990. She went on to appear in several films; to name a few, "Boyz N the Hood," "Poetic Justice," "Higher Learning," "Friday," "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate," "Jerry Maguire," "Enemy of the State," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," "Daddy Day Care," "Ray," and "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous." Most recently, she appeared in season six of the hit show "24" and the film "This Christmas."
Also, Ms. King is an alumna of Westchester High School. |
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At the end of our assembly, students completed questionnaires:
- Are you sexually active? 48% responded yes.
- Of the students who are sexually active, 7% responded yes when answering the question, "Have you had more than one partner within the same month?"
- Of the students who are sexually active, 12% suspected that they had a sexually transmitted disease.
- Of the students who are sexually active, less than 1% admitted to ever having a sexually transmitted disease.
- When asked the question, "If you are sexually active, as a result of this assembly are you more likely to protect yourself?" 99% responded yes, and less than 1% had no response.
- When everyone was asked, "As a result of this assembly, are you least likely to have sex?" 74% responded yes, 3% were unsure, 15% responded no, and 8% had no response.
As you can see, we still have work to do. But overall, I am very proud of the students of Westchester High School.
Westchester High School and S.T.A.R. Foundation thank Ms. Jill Marie Jones, Ms. Tamala Jones, Ms. Regina King, Rogers & Cowan PR, Allman/Rea Management,True Public Relations, and Charilyn Goolsby of WGE Promotional Solutions! |
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Sincerely,
Jennifer L. Payne, Founder
S.T.A.R. Foundation |
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