CW: Sexual assault

Dear John,

A couple of weeks ago, I reached out in the email below, and asked that you send a note of support to the women who courageously spoke truth to power by sharing their stories about how music mogul, Russell Simmons abused and sexually assaulted them. These Silence Breakers continue to show us what strength, resilience and courage look like. If you haven’t done so already, will you take a few minutes of your time to let them know that we are still here with them and that they are being heard? [[link removed]] I will deliver these notes personally in the near future and want to be sure your words are included.

Thank you for always showing up for survivors.

Sincerely,
Fatima Goss Graves
President and CEO
National Women’s Law Center

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fatima Goss Graves
Date: January 30, 2020 1:36 PM
Subject: Tell These Survivors: I’ve Got You
[link removed] [[link removed]]

Content warning: Sexual assault

Dear John,

I just returned from Sundance where I had the chance to view the film On the Record , a film that features several women who have come forward to share their stories about how Russell Simmons, one of the most powerful people in the music industry, abused and sexually assaulted them. These women are a part of 20 women who have made credible allegations about Russell Simmons.
We live in a culture that too often refuses to recognize or respond to the sexual violence Black women experience. We show up for Black women because we know that survivor justice is racial justice.

Right now, these survivors are telling their stories in public — and it is unbelievably hard. Will you send them a note of support so that they know we’re with them and that they’re being heard? I’ll deliver these messages to some of them myself. [[link removed]]

Speaking truth to power is freedom — and being believed is healing. We can help survivors — whether they’ve spoken publicly or not — know that they are supported, and that thousands of people have their backs. Send a message to these strong, resilient Silence Breakers today. [[link removed]]

These women came forward inspired by #MeToo. They wonder whether society is ready to receive and listen to Black women tell their stories, even when those stories are about their community’s heroes. We can’t let their stories be swept into the shadows.
Thank you for showing up for survivors.

Sincerely,

Fatima Goss Graves
President and CEO
National Women's Law Center

[link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]]

Please forward this email to your friends and co-workers and encourage them to sign up to receive NWLC emails in their own inboxes. [[link removed]]
Privacy Policy [[link removed]] | unsubscribe: [link removed]
National Women's Law Center
11 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
United States