By Barbara Andrews

Nov. 10, 2018

More than 80 people gathered to hear victim advocates make it clear that silence is the enemy for victims of sexual assault on Thursday outside the University Center building on the University of Memphis campus.

Theme for the rally was “Shatter the Silence: Stop the Violence.”  It featured testimonials from sexual assault victims, advocates for victims, and was sponsored by the university’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Coalition.  Founded in spring 2017, the student run organization hosts trainings and pubic events to inform and engage students in dialogue about interpersonal violence.

“Speaking out is an act of courage that enables the victim to reclaim their confidence to move forward,” said Kayla Turner, 27, moderator and assistant director for the coalition.

As people gathered, volunteers handed out candles for the vigil later in the evening.  Flyers and pamphlets from local organizations and a U of M brochure, “The Basics: Title IX & Sexual Misconduct” were available.

Sexual violence happens to one in three women, one in six men, and an increasing number of people within the LGBT community according to a survey by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

“I want females to know I care and I’m on your side,” Cameron Bonds, 18, freshman said.  “This violence affects not just one person, it effects the whole community.  I’m here to show my support.”

Take Back The Night is a movement begun by women dating back to the 1960s.  Using marches and rallies they draw attention to the need for safeguarding women and children against sexual assaults.  In 1976 a Reclaim the Night event took place in Rome, Italy following the rape of sixteen thousand women within a single year.

The local rally is the Coalition’s second annual event.  Partnering organization representatives from Sister Reach, the Rape Crisis Center, Safety Net, Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and the Student Government Association were also in attendance.

“The U of M has policies and procedures in place to protect against sexual harassment, rape and sexual assault on campus,” Abby Kindervater, 30, coalition advisor said.  University actions are an extension of the Title IX Education Amendment enacted in 1972 prohibiting sex discrimination in education.

Keynote speaker, Charrise Scott, founder and CEO of Sister Reach told the audience she experienced interpersonal violence three times in her life: at ages 5 and 12, and again while a college student some 30 years ago.

Despite those abuses she offered words of hope “it is possible to become victorious over the violence instead of remaining a victim,” Scott said.  “It is a process, but it is possible to get to the other side.”

She said that freedom from violence is a human right and women in the  black feminist movement   get the credit for giving her a language to articulate her pain.

Before the audience storytelling segment, Turner announced a suspension of all mandatory reporting protocols.  Attendees wishing to speak chose between two microphone options – public or private dependent upon their comfort reporting on the record or protecting their privacy.

Six women recounted the circumstances of their assaults.  A male member of the audience, who had not experienced sexual violence, spoke passionately to the victims.

The final speaker of the evening, Sandy Bromley, director of the Rape Crisis Center shared that she is also a victim of sexual assault.  She thanked the students and advisors for organizing Take Back The Night and expressed her desire that all assault victims find hope and seek healing.

The event closed with the assembly lighting candles as a show of solidarity with victims – local and worldwide.

Guests attend the red carpet reception outside the Halloran Center for Performing Arts and Education in downtown Memphis

By Barbara Andrews

Oct. 17, 2018

Former Vice President Joe Biden, civil rights icon Jesse Jackson Sr. and philanthropist J.R. “Pitt” Hyde received the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award for their activism at the 27^thannual event on Thursday at the Orpheum Theatre.

The honorees became members of an elite group of previous award recipients. The event theme “1968” recalled unrest throughout the world and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. that same year.  The museum at the Lorraine Motel documents the journey to freedom and civil rights in exhibit form.

“The Freedom Award is one of the nation’s most prestigious awards honoring individuals who have contributed greatly to civil and human rights,” said Faith Morris, event producer and marketing director for the museum.

Past honorees have included national and international heads of state and civic and cultural icons including Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks and Elie Wiesel.

As event guests walked the red carpet to the Pre-Show Gala reception at the Halloran Centre, photographers snapped candid photos and aromas from nearby food stations wafted in the air.

More than 2,000 attendees acknowledged the contributions of this year’s honorees by their presence.

Biden was recognized for advocacy on behalf of women’s rights, the poor and restoration of voting privileges for felons.  Jackson’s longevity in the movement for civil rights included his founding of People United to Save Humanity and unofficial mediations that resulted in the release of Americans held hostage abroad.  Hyde championed efforts to secure quality education for underserved youth through the Hyde Family Foundation.  His philanthropy helped to establish the National Civil Rights Museum as a teaching and memorial site.

“This was my first Freedom Award, and I learned a lot about all the honorees but especially about Pitt Hyde. I’m glad I came,” Linda Walker, 63, of Memphis said.

The red carpet reception was not the only place where camera flashes were abundant. Cell phone video recordings and picture taking was evident throughout the auditorium.

Biopics of each honoree preceded their remarks and acceptance of the Movement to Overcome bronze sculpture award.

Biden spoke of the current state of dialogue in the country encouraging the audience not to remain silent in the face of hatred and wrongdoing.

Jackson reminded the audience of the long journey and sacrifices to achieve civil rights.  He encouraged listeners to remain vigilant against efforts to undermine voting rights.

Hyde, whose activism he credited to an introductory meeting with the late Maxine Smith, reflected on how her passion led him to champion educational opportunity for underserved students through the charter school movement.

The event also paid tribute to Memphis born singer Aretha Franklin whose son and two grandchildren attended the event.

“This is the best tribute to my mother, and I’ve been to a lot.” Kecalf Cunningham, 48, Franklin’s son said. “This was just fantastic. She would be proud.”

The Freedom Award house band under the direction of Garry Goin, accompanied local singers who covered Franklin’s hits and mimicked her vocal style during a 23-minute tribute.  A guest appearance by Grammy nominated saxophone player, Kirk Whalum, added one more star to an evening of celebration. 

“I love that the Freedom Award program celebrates our most precious values as a country – freedom, justice, equality, human and civil rights.  This event is Memphis at its best,” Aurelia Kyles, 67 and lifelong Memphian said.