As we continue to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness month, I am reminded of one of the single biggest questions I’m asked, Why Doesn’t She Leave? I decided to write a few of my thoughts and submit them to The Memphis Flyer. I’m pleased to share my thoughts were featured in this week’s Viewpoint section of their newspaper. I am hopeful that those who read it will find it to provide a more intimate look at the barriers individuals affected by domestic violence are facing. I also hope it inspires others to become more involved in establishing and maintaining solutions to help our brothers and sisters who need help, support, guidance and resources.
Currently, HuffPost is doing a 25 city tour called Listen To America. Reporters are traveling and taking the time to listen to the citizens of each chosen city. Stop #4 was right here in Memphis. I was asked what I was doing in Memphis. I shared my thoughts in a 45 second voice recording and had my photo taken. I am so pleased to share that my thoughts were one of several featured. The link is attached at the end of my blog post.
You all have no idea how cool it was to wake up Sunday morning and see an email from HuffPost that included my name, my thoughts and my actual recorded voice. So many things I wish I’d said in hindsight. But, the most important thing I wanted to say is the very thing I did say. That is wanting to be found helping survivors of abuse to find ways to heal. Through our nonprofit, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. as well as my personal speaking and training efforts as my own brand, I’d like to believe in my own way, I am making a difference in the lives of others. Here’s what me and a few others had to say about Memphis and why we are here. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/there-is-so-much-that-needs-to-be-done-meet-the-people-of-memphis_us_59c14d09e4b0f22c4a8cf6ab
I found out a couple of weeks ago the Huffington Post was coming to Memphis as part of their Listen To America bus tour. They’re stopping in 25 cities, talking with its citizens about the issues that matter most to them and their communities. I have always enjoyed reading the HuffPost. And, I love to write. It has always been a goal of mine to have some of my writings published with them. I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to meet some of the staff and learn more about how they came into the work. I was also intrigued to learn more about why they had chosen to do the bus tour.
What started out as an opportunity to learn turned into an opportunity to sit on the bus and give a short interview about who I am, why I do what I do and why I feel as I feel. While waiting for my turn to be interviewed, I talked with a lovely young lady named Chloe, a reporter for HuffPost. She in turn shared my thoughts with the editor of their daily newsletter. The link you will see at the end of this blog is my conversation with her! I am both excited and appreciative to have my thoughts shared with others who read HuffPost.
My interview on the bus was great! It was a very comfortable discussion, and I appreciate the fact I was able to speak freely. I don’t know what, if anything, will be used down the road with regard to their bus tour. But, just doing it was an awesome experience. It was super hot that day and my air wasn’t working in my car. My hair is frizzy and my makeup, which consisted of eyeliner and lip gloss, was completely gone due to me constantly wiping my face. But, I am happy with the results and Damon Dahlen, the photographer, did a great job of taking a photograph of me that I can be proud of.
Over the Labor Day weekend, I had the opportunity to encourage and educate the Whitehaven community about domestic violence at their Annual Community Festival. I am especially pleased to see a festival that is specific to not only having a good time for families, but also making sure it includes a social component. Unfortunately, domestic violence plagues communities around the world. In Memphis specifically, Whitehaven is among those ranked relatively high with regard to domestic violence incidents.
I wanted to make sure the attendees understood that Memphis reached a record number of homicides in 2016, with the two biggest reasons being cited as gang related activity and domestic violence. I also wanted them to be aware of the many services available, including the one I founded, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. Lastly, I wanted them to know they were hearing from someone who could understand what they may be dealing with as I am celebrating another year as a survivor myself.
Always know that you’re not alone. Help and resources are available. If you or someone you know is going through abuse, please contact your local police precinct or domestic violence agency. Learn more about our nonprofit, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. by visiting the website, www.wianl.org. And, if you’re in immediate danger, PLEASE CALL 911 ASAP.
I’m super excited to say I was just featured on Mogul, an online publication. I’m featured in it’s Love and Relationships section. Thank You, Heartbreak is an awesome article written by Chelsea Leigh Trescott. I would love for you to read it. Feel free to leave a comment and give it an upvote! https://onmogul.com/stories/thank-you-heartbreak-spotlighting-creatives-11
