Roundtable Discussion Focuses On Violence Against Women
U.S. Rep Eddie Bernice Johnson was outraged and concerned when she heard that a serial rapist was terrorizing members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Although she is not a member of the organization, the congresswoman said she immediately reached out to the public service sorority's national president, Cynthia Butler McIntyre and expressed her concerns and offered support.
In June of last year, CW33's Giselle Phelps broke the story about a rapist north of Dallas, where there appeared to be a pattern in the assaults. The four reported attacks were in Plano, Corinth and Coppell. Ms. Phelps joined me on KKDA in October to talk about the story since it was revealed that the man was targeting Delta members, aged mid 50s to mid 60s.
Covering the story was a priority for her station, Phelps said. Other media outlets also have been trying to keep the story alive and I applaud their efforts, but I agree with Rep. Johnson, that the media could have done a better job, with editorials and alerts.
"There has been very little editorializing and that is unfortunate," she said. "If this had been Delta Delta Delta (a predominantly white sorority) at Southern Methodist University, it would be a different story.
"It's Delta Sigma Theta so it is left to us to make sure we lift our voices."
Since the story broke, I have talked to many people who have expressed concern over "Pookie" the serial rapist. Across the country men and women have asked me about the attacks and said they hope that Pookie is caught soon.
Pookie has been described as "a heavy set black man in his late 30′s to mid 40′s, between 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet tall, 275 to 300 pounds. He has a trimmed beard, a short haircut and possibly a receding hairline."
"Pookie" is not his real name (at least to my knowledge). I took the liberty of naming him "Pookie" because I know of Pookies who are always in trouble, like our serial rapist.
Several local journalists, including NBC5's Randy Mcilwain and Julie Tam; WFAA-TV's Debbie Denmon; and Ms. Phelps are looking for angles to keep the story alive. I receive calls on a regular basis and I hear the aggravation from people across the country as they continue to present details of the story.
This is an emotional issue. Rep. Johnson expressed the same sentiment.
"This situation is very frustrating," she said. "Anywhere there‘s violence against women, more awareness is needed. I have been introducing legislation and will continue to address the issue."
On Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m., I will join Rep. Johnson, Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins, First Lady Serita Jakes of the Potter's House, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and a number of others who are knowledgeable about violence against women and children. Billed as a "Roundtable Discussion with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,
"MOVING UP, MOVING FORWARD: Mobilizing Our Community to End Violence Against Women and Children" it will take place at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, 1441 N. Beckley Avenue, Dallas, in the Hitt Auditorium.
This is a subject that you shouldn't get tired of and there should be a packed house of citizens interested in solving some of the many problems that are associated with violence against women and children in our community. As long as headlines continue to scream about the violent acts perpetrated against women and children, someone has to speak out and give voice to these voiceless victims and we have to support legislation related to such assaults.
This story has been on local stations, in local publications and it has also made national news. There were quite a few tips after a segment of America's Most Wanted featured the story. Unfortunately the Black Press has not been as vigilant in efforts to keep the story on the forefront of folk's minds. Sure there have been a few stories but come on people, we can't get mad at the mainstream for not keeping attacks against black women on the front pages, if we don't do it with our own publications.
Thanks to Rep. Johnson for pulling folks together to discuss this topic. She said we all have a responsibility when people are assaulted, regardless of their color. Too bad so many of us are shirking our responsibility.
Article by Cheryl Smith from The Dallas Weekly
