Educating and empowering survivors of sexual assault

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

In an effort to educate the community, and empower survivors of sexual assault, Saturday, July 20^th, 2019 at Downsview Park, The Blanket Program of Toronto presented SILENCE NO MORE, an event that brought together community organizations, and community leaders to deliver a citywide response to youth sexual assault in Toronto. Blanket is a charitable organization providing information and tools to prevent and respond to youth sexual assault. Blanket translates research into best practices that help individuals, and communities achieve true healing after being exposed to sexual assault. The Blanket Program Charity Toronto’s initiative is to raise $100,000,000 that will go toward securing a facility and studio space for youth to feel safe and heal.

In this day and age, it is hard to find people who you can say that you can trust, which is why when Mitzy Blair of The Blanket Program Charity contacted me to be a part of this, it was impossible to say no. She is strong, self-reliant, and self-contained; she has the ability to be selfless and selfish at the same time, ensuring that her friends and family are taken care of, and at the same time, she safeguards her space. Of all of the women I have met, Mitzy has proven to be relatable, practical and one of the most positive people I have ever worked with.

Alongside her Auntie, Lorrie Ludington, and community leader L.A. Wade (Host of The Elephant Room on MyTCNTV Network), the team at the Blanket Program Charity ensured that their guests five senses were stimulated with good music (spun by the fun-loving Dj Snoopy) and live entertainment, including electrifying dance performances by Trio:Tabby Rockstar, Nas, and Cadillac, and single performance by Twist P.  I was especially impressed by the writing and flow of J-Wyze, and this real powerful sister from Jane and Finch that goes by the name of Rootz K. It was beautiful to see families in attendance as well, some of which had children who came and showcased their piano playing talents under the direction of Dominique Morris of Perfect Keys Academy. People enjoyed the live art being painted (the extraordinary butterfly painting was dedicated to The Blanket Program Charity’s first Centre), and the face painting by Picasso Painters.

Emotional moments did occur during the event; once when Mitzy took the stage to thank her guests, and also when the founder of INFORDUS Legal Service Nana Adjei-Poku spoke on some of the hurt she had seen families experience when it comes to the topic of sexual assault. It was refreshing to see such vulnerability; you could tell that speaking on the topic of childhood sexual assault has affected our community, and it was exactly why Mitzy had decided to put on this event. “The Blanket Program is continuously working to challenge negative behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs about sexual and gender-based violence. By doing so, we hope to reinforce our commitment to the safety of youth in Toronto, and to promote a community culture in which there is ZERO tolerance for youth sexual assault,” Mitzy told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “Blanket’s goal is to empower youth who would otherwise be adrift, and provide them with: medical attention, psychotherapy, mentors, creative outlets, and any other support that is needed for them to heal.”

Mitzy was overwhelmingly happy with the support she received from the community. She extends her sincere appreciation to the sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible. The organizations and community leaders who supported this event include: The City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health, LCBO, Centre for Young Black Professionals, Hear 2 Help Community Development, Diamond Roofing, Jamaica House, Keyezer, Jane and Finch Mall, Honest Breads, Dwayne Conel Clothing, Nise Clothing, and Steppa Choice Sound, JA Nursing Services, INFORDUS Legal Services, FAM TV, and Foresight Video Production.

Despite the serious and delicate topic matter, the hosts L.A. Wade and myself, were able to keep it light by utilizing pop trivia; attendee’s who got the answers correct won prizes valued up to $129.00.

*Readers Moment* Can you answer any of the three pop trivia questions below?

Which Hollywood Director married his adopted daughter?

What was the name of the movement that brought abuse to the forefront in Hollywood?

Name the movie that comedian Monique won an Academy Award for the movie that highlighted childhood sexual and physical abuse?

At the end of the day, the guests were asked to visit the FAM TV booth and talk about their experience at the event. Our world has become a place where children and youth are exposed to sexual content via social media, television, and video games; we need to have discussions around what constitutes consent and healthy sexual relationships. It is important that we as a community learn how to speak to our young men and women about these issues. With the help of secure partnerships, and committed sponsors, this dream will become a reality. If you would like to know more, or make a donation, please visit http://www.blanketprogram.org, or contact Mitzy Blair at info@blanketprogram.org