KELLIBREW SLEEPS OUT ON BEHALF OF VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE
“Friends, Family, Survivors and Other Supporters Will Sleep Out in Front of the Wilson Building Today to Bring Attention to Violence in the Washington, D.C. area and Beyond”
(WASHINGTON – December 2, 2008) - William Kellibrew, a young man who witnessed his mother and brother die at the hands of an ex-boyfriend, is spearheading a victims and survivors for peace sleep out in front of the John A. Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.
William’s energy comes at a time when his childhood friend and Godsister, Tiffany Gates, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Roderick Ridley. Gates was 33 and was stabbed to death in her own apartment while “she dialed feverishly for help, reaching friends, the 911 communications center and a U.S. marshal who was nearby.” according to a Washington Post article by Robert Pierre. Gates’ last words were, “He is here and kicking my door in!”
Two days after the killing, Kellibrew arranged a teleconference that included family, friends and university colleagues. Out of the call, those in attendance, including his sister, Manyka Gaither who received one of the last calls from Gates, vowed to support an abuse registry that would give victims and survivors an opportunity to prescreen offenders before they are given an opportunity to gain trust and respect under a radar of a violent past.
Kellibrew’s mother, like Gates, both dated men who had a violent past according to police records and Washington Post reports. Kellibrew’s mom met her killer within one month of his release. Marshall Brent Williams had served ten years for murder and rape.
William has worked diligently to form a coalition of support since Gates’ death. The coalition includes the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (Black Women’s Roundtable and Black Youth Vote! programs), R.O.O.T., Inc. (Reaching Out to Others Together), Hip Hop 4 Humanity, Inc., the National Center for Victims of Crimes and a host of friends, family and strangers ranging from Scotland to Sri Lanka. Today, Lisa “To Fierce” Foster, two-time world champion boxer has signed on with her support. She is a survivor of child abuse and violence while in foster care. “You and Tiffany’s family have my condolences,” said Foster.
The Sleep Out today will honor fallen victims and survivors who have worked to rebuild their lives as well as bring much needed attention to the issue of violence in our community.
A year ago, Kellibrew told his survivor's story on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," sitting next to comedian Bill Cosby. He recounted abuse that he and his siblings witnessed and the killings before his eyes, reported the Washington Post. Marshall Williams took his own life that day.
Since Gates’ death, Williams and his family’s tragedy brought stories of horror and tragedy rushing back to memory. The family had to take action.
"Instead of just going to the service and grieving or mourning, we have to take a proactive approach in rebuilding our lives," Kellibrew said. "We have to use our resources to manage our grief. We want to capture that energy and use it for something positive."
If you would like more information or would like to schedule an interview with William Kellibrew, please call Brandon Wallace at 202.271.4179 or email at wallace.motley@gmail.com.
FMI on "ROOT" Reaching Out To Others Together Inc. please feel free to contact Jackie Smallwood, jsmallwood@rootinc.org, 202.332.ROOT (7668)
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