The Centers for Disease Control reported the first official case of AIDS in the U.S. in 1981. During the early days, many people shied away from openly addressing the disease as a dangerous public health concern because of its association with homosexuality and drug use.

This was especially true within the black community, which continues to have much higher rates of infection, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

In 1994, Dale Anthony Edmonston began to dedicate himself to advocacy. He emerged at a critical time and quickly became a face for AIDS in the black community.

Edmonston has worked with various community leaders from Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and several heads of churches to hip-hop artists such as Queen Latifah and Lil' Kim. He spoke at the global launching of the Black Churches Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS and received a Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement from the Long Island division of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He appeared on the cover of Newsday's July 19, 1998, edition with the headline: "The Voice of AIDS: As the black community looks on, Dale Anthony Edmonston speaks out."

In 1995, he launched Tough Talk Media Inc., which produces weekly broadcasting specifically dedicated to HIV and AIDS. The programming consists of a radio show and two cable television talk shows, including a program in English and Spanish.

While acting as a national advocate, Edmonston continued to provide support and services from the Dale House.

Deborah Parham, the associate administrator of the HIV/AIDS Bureau at the Health Resources and Services Administration, described the importance of having dedicated leaders like Edmonston at the local level and commended his "tireless service."

"We can provide invaluable resources, but we need people on the ground to connect those resources with the people who need them most," Parham wrote in an e-mail.

In Roanoke, Edmonston continues his advocacy work. He airs a radio program every Friday from WTOY (1480 AM). He also organizes other projects such as delivering Christmas presents to people infected with and affected by HIV and distributing food from a pantry in his house.

The Rev. William Lee, an AIDS activist and pastor at Loudon Avenue Christian Church in Roanoke, described the importance of activists such as Edmonston.

"We just can't educate enough, and we need voices," Lee said. "I think that having a Dale Anthony here in Roanoke will help me tremendously."

Lee Walker, who works at WTOY, expressed similar sentiments.

"He is huge. People in Roanoke don't realize it," she said of Edmonston. "I count us fortunate to have him here in Roanoke to touch so many people."