From 1981 to 1998, K. (Kenneth) Brad Ott wrote, edited, and published the grassroots Dialogue Newsjournal reporting community activism and activities in New Orleans.

This third mini podcast in the four-part LETTERS READ series is produced in support of LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and New Orleans AIDS MemoryProject. Antenna is LETTERS READ fiscal sponsor.

This podcast is about activism. Independent publishing in the later part of the 20th Century.

At a time when mainstream media would not, The Dialogue Newsjournal published progressive ideas in New Orleans questioning social issues such as: immigration and poverty, police corruption, racism, reproductive rights, gay bashing and AIDS paranoia, that strange new disease plaguing the male gay population, intravenous drug users, sex workers, and marginal members of society country-wide. Until 1982, there wasn’t even a name for the disease later known as HIV|AIDS.

Letters Read is an ongoing series in which local performers interpret letters and written documents about culturally vital individuals from various times and Louisiana communities—focusing on New Orleans. Now in its eighth consecutive season. Performances are free and open to the general public.

Segment 3 in the mini-series about the early days of the New Orleans HIV|AIDS epidemic.

Comprising two recorded clips from an interview with Noel Twilbeck. In the first, Twillbeck explains the origins of NO/AIDS Task Force. Describing the beginning of the HIV|AIDS epidemic. Early 1980s. The second clip refers to a letter. “The Letter”. Notice of the award from HRSA documenting their new status as an FQHC. As Twillbeck explained, “HRSA” is the Bureau of Primary Health Care. A federal institution funding affordable, accessible, and high-quality primary health care to underserved communities. A game-changer for NO/AIDS Task Force which then became Crescent Car.

This series thanks LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Corner Foundation, and LETTERS READ fiscal sponsor Antenna.