By Javar Juarez
(CUBNSC) Columbia, S.C. - Last Night She Did That Events hosted its 9th Annual Purple Gala, an event dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence within the Black community. This year’s gala featured powerful testimonies, inspiring performances, and heartfelt discussions, all centered around the theme of confronting the trauma, stigma, and disparities surrounding domestic violence.
The event prominently featured Ursula Robinson, one of the stars of Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black that kicked off the program with students from the South Carolina State University Drama Program, alongside co-hosts Keiyona Jordan, a Wach Fox News Correspondent, and Ms. Kiwan Fitch, an entrepreneur, author, and advocate. The evening brought together survivors, advocates, and community leaders to shed light on the personal and societal impacts of domestic violence.
A Survivor's Story of Strength
Recording artist, actress, and survivor Alexis Bria shared her harrowing story with the audience. Bria recounted how, during her struggle with postpartum depression, she had been both an abuser and a victim. "I can’t give up because of my baby girl, I fought my way out, I did whatever I had to do to get let up from out of that stronghold," she said, emphasizing the importance of seeking strength and purpose in God, even during the darkest times. Her testimony resonated with many, especially as she highlighted how domestic violence is often hidden behind a façade of love and care until it spirals into something dangerous.
The gala emphasized the need to break the silence around domestic violence in the Black community, a theme that was echoed throughout the evening. Many survivors shared how systemic disparities and societal stigma can make it harder for Black people to access help and protection under the law. "Many feel that calling law enforcement only makes things worse," Bria shared, a sentiment shared by many Black victims who fear persecution rather than protection.
Kiwana Young Gibson's Story: A Tale of Survival and Resilience
One of the most poignant moments of the evening came when Kiwana Young Gibson took the stage to share her personal story. Kiwana described her experience of being in an abusive relationship, how her partner had called her names and belittled her, and how she found the strength to leave after he began threatening her life. "The first time he shot up in the air," she said, explaining how her abuser tracked her down even after she left. "The second time, he came into my home, and when I hid in the closet, he found me and shot me."
Kiwana detailed her terrifying ordeal of being shot by her abuser, her fight for survival, and the discovery that she had contracted HIV as a result of the abuse. "I thank God that I am here," she said, sharing how she endured four surgeries and continues to rebuild her life. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience of Black women and a stark reminder that Black women continue to experience domestic violence and femicide at disproportionately high rates.
Domestic Abuse in the Black Community: Breaking the Cycle
Domestic violence within the Black community is a deeply rooted issue, exacerbated by systemic oppression, economic disparities, and cultural stigmas around abuse. In South Carolina, the statistics are alarming—our state’s femicide rate is consistently double the national average, and Black women are particularly vulnerable. Nearly 45.1% of Black women have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Black men, too, are not exempt, with 40.1% experiencing similar abuse.
Rodney Gibson, Kiwana’s husband, emphasized the importance of supporting survivors. "When you are with someone who has been through domestic abuse, you marry the trauma," he said. His words highlight the lasting impact of domestic violence, not only on victims but on their loved ones as well.
A Call for Cultural Change
The 9th Annual Purple Gala was a powerful reminder of the urgent need for cultural change around domestic violence. As Tina Torres, the event’s host and founder of "She Did That Events," pointed out, domestic violence is still often swept under the rug, particularly within the Black community. "We cannot sit back and say, 'That’s their problem.' This kind of thinking creates the toxic environment we must work to eliminate."
The event ended with a call to action: for communities to stand up, speak out, and support survivors. In many cases, domestic violence victims suffer in silence, fearing that they will be judged or not believed. In Black communities, men make up over 30% of domestic violence victims, and many fear coming forward due to stigmas around masculinity and vulnerability.
Conclusion
As South Carolina continues to rank among the highest in the nation for femicide, events like the Purple Gala are essential in bringing awareness to these issues. The intersection of race, gender, and violence underscores the importance of building stronger support systems for Black survivors. This year’s gala was a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of the Black community in confronting domestic violence and supporting those who have suffered in silence for too long.
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