By Lexi White
Features Editor
While Black History Month has come to an end, that did not stop the Violence Prevention Victim Advocacy Support Center, VPAS, from educating students about Black women who made a difference.
Special education major Taylor Wasilewski and nursing major Gabriella Jordan, seniors, are VPAS members and set up a tabling event in the Adanti Student Center on March 12.
“We are trying to bring awareness by sharing the stories of some amazing Black women who were very involved in the fight against sexual assault and domestic violence,” Wasilewski said.
Those who walked by were able to learn more about the women who stood up for women’s rights and sexual assault awareness in exchange for candy, fidget toys, stress balls and bracelets.
VPAS is a resource on campus that students can utilize when they are dealing with issues such as domestic violence and sexual assault.
“People do not realize that some influential names have also fought against these problems,” Wasilewski said. “Rosa Parks started the committee for equal justice and brought attention to sexual assault against Black women.”
Wasilewski said she was surprised that students did not know Rosa Park’s involvement with the movement.
“Sexual assault affects everyone and she really brought the attention to equal justice, not just like towards certain groups of people,” Wasilewski said. “This has been an ongoing issue for years and students need to realize that.”
Jordan also said she thought it was essential for students to know the backstory of the issue and who fought for the common good.
“Rosa Parks is a hero and stoodup for racial injustice, but she also did that in light of sexual assault and domestic violence,” Jordan said. “I wish more people knew that.”
Biology major Gary Parrino, a sophomore, said he saw the event and was initially intrigued by the fidget toys, but realized how important the event truly was.
“The toys make you want to participate because you get something out of it and then you learn about the message behind it,” Parrino said. “When you come over and you participate you realize that this is something that’s benefiting people.”
Parrino said that he thinks it is important for students to know about the history of women who have stood up against sexual assault and domestic violence.
“Sadly, this is a very prevalent problem, so there should be a support group like this so people can learn about it and have a place to reach out to,” Parrino said.
Jordan said in addition to educating students about sexual assault and domestic violence, she wanted to inform students of VPAS and how they can help with such issues.
“Students knowing about us can help them get out of a situation that’s affecting them mentally or physically,” Jordan said. “They could have a better career here at Southern versus struggling throughout their entire career, not knowing that they have the resources here.”
VPAS is located in Room 100 in Schwartz Hall and they are open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
