One Billion Rising RVA

In a little less than two weeks, I will be  attending One Billion Rising at the Richmond Coliseum.  This event was created to bring global awareness to violence toward women
and to create a forum where we say enough. One in three women are victims of
violence.  There are three women  living in my house – you do the math.

My daughter Emily is joining me in the Rising.  She wants to support this worthy cause and end violence all together.  My daughter has been through some very  tough times both physically and emotionally. At age 14, she has overcome a learning  disorder, learned to cope admirably well with Type 1 diabetes and left school in  the 7th grade to learn to
cope with social and emotional issues stemming from both.
  
Now homeschooled, Emily has risen above what some would call disabilities  to thrive, both with grades and with friendships.   Being that she was on the receiving end of much
psychological violence throughout her young life, I find it understandable that
she wants to support women who are going through the same  thing.

I was blessed to be asked to help make videos of  women who are joining us for the One Billion Rising event. Some of these women  also experienced violence first hand.  Some were raped, others physically and emotionally abused.   While I was editing these videos from the bravest of the brave, Emily  asked if she could participate and make a video as well.  She felt camaraderie with these women and wants to support  them.

That’s what this rising is all about to me –   people showing support to women who were once on the receiving end of violence  and stating that we won’t tolerate another woman being on the receiving end in  the future. We want to show unconditional love to our sisters and let them know  we are here for them.  We want our  legislators to realize that our future votes are going to be impacted by their  stand on violence.  We want the  entertainment industry to know that we are no longer going to support any type  of “entertainment”that portrays violence towards women any more, whether it be  in movies, TV, music or comedy.  We
are going to back this up with our  wallets.

The fact that someone so young will be  participating in the Rising means that this message will be carried on long into  the future…so people better listen!  We are Rising on February 14th because we’ve had enough.   Women need to be safe.  Violence, in all forms, needs to end.  Let peace  begin.