Discussions of AIDS initially focused on the homosexual male population and on Haitian immigrants. In the majority communities the public response was based on fear, lack of information, and sometimes racism. In the 7 years following the first identification of AIDS in the United States, little was done to reach the minority population with the message that AIDS is everyone's disease. Only in the last 2 years have the issues of minorities and AIDS been placed on the national agenda. Misinformation and apathy have contributed to the disproportionate incidence of AIDS in poor communities. However, these communities are poorly equipped to respond, particularly because their community centers and other support systems have been weakened in recent years. They require culturally sensitive efforts at education as well as attention to issues like the confidentiality of medical records. They also need to recognize that reproductive rights, prisoners' rights, and poor people's rights in general are integrally linked with AIDS and the rights of people with AIDS. Government officials and minority community members need to join together to present a unified educational message and voice in the efforts to address AIDS. Involving minority communities and giving them self-empowerment is the only way to fight AIDS effectively. 11 reference notes. (Author abstract modified)