Monday, September 06, 2010

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Saving Lives Hip-Hop Style
Source: The Elements
Author: Elements Staff

Common Ground USA, an African-American owned and operated organization has launched Jimmie Hatz, the world’s first line of condoms manufactured and marketed towards the hip-hop kulture. “As the face of AIDS changes, the hip-hop community must become responsible and accountable for dealing with the effects of the epidemic. Since our generation is the highest at risk group most impacted by AIDS, outreach, and educational programs must be designed to reach inner city kids who are turned off by the medical jargon currently used to market condoms.” explains Harry Terrell, Founder and CEO of Common Ground USA. “Common Ground USA was created as a vehicle to inform and save lives from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Jimmie Hatz are the product which helps us meet our mission.”

All Jimmie Hatz are made from premium quality latex and are tapered at the base for a secure fit and lubricated for comfort and sensitivity with a special reservoir end for extra safety. Jimmie Hatz come in several varieties, sizes, and textures. XL Great Danes are the extra-large line for real playas putting in work; the standard sized Rottweiler Condom holds true to its canine namesake as the protector of its owner or in this case its wearer. The Mixed Breed condom is contoured with a dotted and ribbed texture for those who want to add a little sumptin’ sumptin’ to the experience. The Jimmie Hatz logo and packaging incorporates graffiti art into its design to attract and peak the interest of the urban consumers ages 14 – 34 - the highest at risk population. “Our vision is to make the Jimmie Hatz product and logo synonymous with responsible safe sex in the hip-hop culture and in our urban communities,” explains Terrell. Curtis Evans, Chief Operating Officer adds, “Our competitive edge is that we are a part of the community we market towards. We don’t intend to use naked women to promote our product, because we don’t advocate sexual promiscuity, but if you’re sexually active, you must protect yourself.”

The hip-hop generation gets its trends through music, fashion, and slang. The term, “jimmy hat,” was popularized in hip-hop culture originally by The Jungle Brothers, a New York based group, with their underground smash, “Jimbrowski” (slang for the male genitalia) subsequently shortened to “jimmy.” The term was embraced even more when hip-hop pioneer KRS-One released the song, “Jimmy,” in 1988. Jimmy hat slang for condoms evolved from hip-hop music and has endured since the late ‘80’s and continues to be used in youth culture today. But despite the use of the word and the important messages of safe sex promoted by these songs, according to the Center of Disease Control, the number of AIDS and HIV cases is increasing at alarming rates and shows no signs of decline. While race and ethnicity alone are not risk factors for HIV infection, underlying social and economic conditions (such as language or cultural diversity, higher rates of poverty and substance abuse, or limited access to health care) may increase the risk of infection.

Common Ground also conducts on and offline forums and actively distributing information through cohesive marketing and advertising campaigns directed to the college based Jimmie Hatz squads and street teams. Common Ground also participates in health and awareness outreach programs. Their website, www.jimmiehatz.com, provides relevant information that helps to “Protect Ya Neck' and Expand Ya Cabeza.” Healthcare professionals are enlisting from various HIV treatment centers, hospitals, and private clinics to bring prevention and treatment updates on a monthly basis. Young people are also encouraged to submit questions or topics that are answered by healthcare affiliates.

Jimmie Hatz Condoms can be purchased online at http://www.jimmiehatz.com/

For additional information, please visit http://www.jimmiehatz.com/