Dr. Boyd Graves, an HIV/AIDS research expert, gave a controversial speech regarding the origin of the AIDS virus Thursday night.

In his speech, “Exploring the Myths and Realities of AIDS,” delivered in the Holmes Student Center’s Regency Room, Graves presented evidence to support his theory that AIDS was developed by the U.S. government as an ethnic weapon. Graves contested that in 1977, a secret federal virus program produced 15,000 gallons of AIDS in an effort to administer the virus to blacks and thin their population.

“Only 12 percent of the U.S. population is black, but blacks make up 50 percent of AIDS cases,” said Graves in his speech. “The reason for the disparity is because the virus was designed to target blacks.”

Graves claims the AIDS virus was added as a complement to smallpox vaccinations administered in Africa to spread it amongst the black population. Many government documents were presented during the speech that Graves believes factually prove the AIDS virus was man-made in an attempt to kill blacks. One of the documents presented was a 1971 flow chart that was rediscovered in 1999 which is said to “forever resolve the true laboratory birth origin of AIDS,” according to one of Graves’ handouts.

Not only does Graves claim that AIDS was developed as an ethnic weapon, but also that a cure for AIDS already exists and that he has been vaccinated with it. According to Graves, the cure is Tetrasilver Tetroxide and is U.S. patent #5676977.

“We have a cure for AIDS with no side effects and it’s left sitting on a shelf,” Graves said.

For those who remained skeptical after his speech, Graves suggested people look online and reach their own conclusions.

“If you go to www.boydgraves.com, the evidence is irrefutable,” said Van Amos, program coordinator for the Center of Black Studies. “The facts are there and you can verify them.”

Others in the audience had not yet made up their mind but feel Graves’ theory of the origin of AIDS should be considered.

“I believe Graves presented strong evidence and a laboratory origin of AIDS should be seriously considered,” said Molly Swick, instructor and doctoral candidate in the School of Education.

Steve Lux of the Health Enhancement Department remains skeptical, but doesn’t discount anything.

“His claims sound incredible and I intend to do some investigation into the documents Graves presented,” Lux said.

One student also agrees her own research must be done before she reaches a conclusion.

“It all makes sense and he has the facts, but I will have to research it myself before I come to a decision,” said Angela Petersen, a junior special education major.

Amos is in favor of presenting different theories at NIU and for students to make their own conclusions.

The program was presented by the Center for Black Studies and Health Enhancement Program as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.