In challenging times, questions abound about who among us will step up to defend and protect our communities from harm.

History reminds us that most often it is artists who make the leap, using their creativity and stature to sound alarms, impart truth, and unite people across divides to bring needed change.

For inspiration, we took a look back at 1991 when HIV and AIDS were ravaging Hawai’i and found this Honolulu Star-Bulletin article by Susan Manuel titled.

It’s a beautiful portrayal of the inspiring people who were stepping into the light, rising above the age-old burdens of personal and family shame, to bring visibility to their humanity, educate communities, and rally action.