“Don’t be ashamed to get help… We in the Black community have come a long way. We’re OK at getting help now.” Those were the encouraging words of Junauld Braddock-Presley, director of Residential Services at Tubman Family Crisis and Support Services at Sister Spokesman’s “Domestic Violence: Don’t Be Blinded” event, Saturday, March 4.
Attendees met at Arnellia’s in St. Paul to listen to Braddock-Presley and Sterline Saran Cryer, also from Tubman, share insight and advice surrounding the issue of domestic violence. Johari Ingram, a domestic violence survivor, shared moving testimony about the abuse she’s suffered and ultimately overcame.
The panelists answered questions and listened to the stories of those gathered, with many in attendance encouraging people to discuss the issue at faith-based institutions, workplaces and the like, to help combat the attitudes surrounding the issue. Some of the places cited as resources were Tubman, Oasis of Love, Ujima, the Family Place, First Call for Help and many more.
In addition to the roughly one-hour panel discussion about domestic abuse, the afternoon also included shopping, networking, massages, music and prize giveaways.
Up next: Get a jump on your spring at next month’s Sister Spokesman event “Organizing Your Life,” April 1, at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis.
Below, see photos by Olivia Crutchfield
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