Black & Blue...

"You don't have to be a current victim, you don't have to be a survivor, you don't have to be a witness, or even a silent bystander. You don't have to know the right words to say, have money or the resources to help. All you need is the heart, the courage, and the compassion to speak out about the violence by the hands of another. Spread the word that it is not okay to hurt another human soul and try to not judge those who are in a situation for it's never our place to judge one another. There are too many silent victims scared to speak a word, because the stigma that has been created by something so severe. Work together to break the chains that bound them to this shame and help them to realize they are not alone. There are people who care and ready to listen to help in ways they can. There are people standing strong, hand-in-hand, ready to unsilence the violence caused by a woman or a man." 

~Krista Burris

Below is an amazing poem that was 

performed live at Le Poisson Rouge on 6.19.11 at The Strivers Row showcase.