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Selma AIR and Blackbelt Wellness Center celebrated World AIDs Day on Tuesday at the Blackbelt Wellness Center.

For the 25^th year, Selma AIR released red and white balloons were released on a cold, windy morning into a light blue skyline and bright sun.

Selma AIR Executive Director Mel Prince said the HIV/AIDS epidemic has progressed since the non-profit agency opened in 1995.

“December 1 is a significant day for us, it used to be a sad day for us,” Prince said. “But now we can be happy because you live longer, you can have babies, get married and live a normal life.”

LaTanglia Williams, a Selma AIR employee and World AIDS day event chairman, said everyone’s in the fight together to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Lydia Chatmon, prevention specialists and public relations coordinator with Selma AIR, urged residents to get tested, know their status and celebrate life.

Dallas County Commissioner Curtis Williams also attended the event.