October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In most African culture, the mourning period extends weeks. Everyone in the community is expected to take turn keeping guard at the house in order to console the remaining family. These overnight celebrations are usually very lit with loud music and plenty food. The idea is to crowd the family’s home so they are not alone and lost in thought.

It was in one such gathering. That I heard two newly emigrated young gentlemen essentially brag on “owning“ their wives and “disciplining” them as necessary. My friends and I were flabbergested. Forget the morality of the thing, we had to quickly share, “hey, in America, they take you to jail for it.”

I grew up sheltered and spoiled. Everyone in my family has heart. I did not know these things even existed. The older I get, the more I realize, they not only exist, they are OMNIPRESENT. Look closely and you will note, we have monsters posing as women and men (for DV is a genderless crime) in our churches, in our families, etc.

I have served a number of causes over the years. We visited black boys in Atlantan Jails. We served unhoused populations. We advocated against FGM in sub-saharan Africa, etc. BUTTT- helping restore the dignity of DV survivors, reminding them, in the words of Pelicot “Shame must change sides” is one of the most beautiful things I have ever done. This October is DV Awareness Month. How are YOU contributing to the destruction of this plague?

One Love,