African Americans are not the only minority that has greatly increased rates of HIV transmission. Many American Indian tribes are also suffering at a rate higher than African Americans.

There are many reasons for the rates, some of which are cultural norms (i.e. a strong taboo against openly discussing birth control). Some of these are also societial. At a population level there is a greater percentage of African Americans in jail or addicted to drugs, than the general population. Both of these are places and methods that provide for very effective transmission of HIV.