Color Me Butterfly

I am a mother in law. No, not the kind that takes on a new son or daughter by marriage. No, not that kind. I am literally a Mother – In – Law. A mother who wants to bring an end to the number of people who are victimized everyday.  The rate at which women and children die everyday as a result of domestic violence. A mother who ultimately wants to save lives. A mother who has founded the Saving Promise Campaign – a campaign to facilitate and strengthen current domestic violence laws.

Recently I hosted a Saving Promise Symposium and presented six policies that I have written to change domestic violence laws. Policies that are long overdue such as stricter restraining orders, mandatory counseling for batterers, more rights for victim’s families to intervene on behalf of a victim, child’s life protection to further protect our children, further domestic violence training for law enforcement agencies and personnel, a national behavior and support hotline for batterers, and programs to raise awareness in public and private schools.

I received an overwhelming positive response to these policies. One person even said “it’s about time that someone has taken a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of domestic violence laws. While there were positive responses to the policies, I know that it’s going to take some strong-arming to get our policy makers on board and pass legislation for much needed change. But you know what? That don’t discourage me one bit. In fact, it entices me to want to do more, to want to make a difference. The one thing my foremothers have taught me is that anything worth having is worth fighting for. So guess what? I’ve rolled up my sleeves and can’t wait for the challenge.

As I glove-up, move towards the center of the boxing stage, and face my opponents, I am everso reminded of my granddaughter Promise – the child who’s life was threatened by her very own father. His words: He was going to bury Promise’s body where nobody could find it. Those words have lit a fuel beneath my torch – a crusade in its own right to Save Promise, Save Families. Save Lives.

Why don’t you join me in this fight? Glove up and meet me at the center of the boxing stage by pledging your support. It only takes a few seconds – seconds that can save a life.

Maya Angelou once said: I come as one but I stand as ten thousand. 

Though I come as one, I’d like to believe I stand as ten thousand with your support.

Pledge your support now!