After being involved in the health industry for 10 years, Corey Garrett became disillusioned by the disturbing number of HIV infections in the African American community. So in 2006, Garrett combined his love of videography and hip-hop to create The Changing Communities Movement Foundation. The nonprofit organization has since that time become a leading organization for educating youth regarding HIV/AIDS.

“When I discovered that blacks and Latinos accounted for 60 percent of new infections among 13-24-year-olds, I knew that something had to be done,” Garrett says. “But I knew that we couldn’t use traditional methods to reach these kids. We had to reach them by giving them things that they understand.”

In 2006, the foundation released the first volume of the CCM DVD mixtape.

The DVD mixtape included hip-hop stars who provided messages promoting safe sex and the importance of getting tested. Now in its fourth volume, the DVD mixtape series has featured rap artists Bun B, Too Short, Juvenile, Rick Ross, Big Gipp, DJ Drama, Mike Jones and more. The organization also holds health and wellness concerts and round table discussions.

“We’re trying to reach those who are listening to hip-hop music,” he says. “This generation needs to know the dangers of living a careless lifestyle. We let them know that practicing safe sex must be done all of the time and that routine testing could be the difference between life and death.” –amir shaw

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