I am Vanesa Rodriguez and I am proud to be a part of the Hispanic community. I was born in Greenville, S.C., and am a junior at Furman University. My mother and father were both born in Mexico and I am privileged that they have taught me to appreciate the Hispanic/Latinx culture.
Good Morning, I am Amika T Clark, the product of parents married almost 50 years, double degree engineer / project manager and most importantly I am the survivor of domestic violence and I proudly stand here today representing Safe Harbor as an Ambassador on the platform of prevention for our youth, education of the community and the voice of the voiceless
I am intentionally becoming a Social Worker so that I could work with other survivors of trauma and advocate for clients.
I vividly remember my mother putting my voter registration card in the Bible. It was the safe place for most of our important documents. During the 2008 elections, I stood in line with a 77 year old woman. She was dressed in what most people in the South refer to as her “Sunday” best. The line was long and my son was talking nonstop, so I offered to hold her spot. She squeezed my hand and said, “It’s ok, baby. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life. There is nowhere else I’d rather be standing."
Safe Harbor stands with citizens throughout our communities who demand justice in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other victims of racial violence and discrimination.
On June 10, The Journal in Seneca published a political cartoon that portrayed overt racial stereotypes. This cartoon, described in our letter below, also depicts discriminatory biases about Black women specifically. At Safe Harbor, we recognize that domestic violence, racism and sexism intersect in the lives of Black women, resulting in high barriers to support and safety. Consequently, Black women are far more likely to die due to domestic violence.
Today, as I prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, I replace the red, white and blue flag with the red, black and green flag. My attire is no longer filled with patterns of cute little checkered USA flag symbols and colors. My head wraps and dress reflect the patterns of my ancestors, the slaves who were not free until 1865.
Fashion with a Passion is moving forward Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Westfield!
“I didn’t know that I was being abused because my definition of abuse looked different. My husband pushed me, but most of my suffering was verbal and psychological. I left my husband to protect our young daughter. Almost immediately I felt the weight of his oppression begin to lift. I could see a difference in my daughter as well. Then he broke into my home and assaulted me in-front of her.
I sought help and was led to Safe Harbor. My daughter and I are in counseling now. I am sorting out the mess that abuse has caused. I am finding my voice and seeking opportunities to grow and better my life as well as my daughter's. She will gauge her self-worth from my own self-worth. I must show her that she deserves the best, by expecting the best for myself.
Many years I suffered in silence. By telling my story and being honest with friends and family, I am taking control of my life again.”
MAKE A GIFTWhen you give to Safe Harbor, 84 cents of every dollar goes directly to our intervention services and prevention initiatives to break the cycle of domestic violence in the Upstate of South Carolina. |
BOOK A SPEAKERWe are available to provide domestic violence education and information about Safe Harbor’s services through speaking engagements, trainings, workshops and awareness campaigns. |
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Greenville, SC 29601
PO Box 174
Greenville, SC 29602
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