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It’s In NY #6

Men, Step Up to the Plate!
Yes! Britney Spears gave K. Fed his third strike, and Whitney Houston traded her beloved bad boy Bobby Brown. But, did your sister leave her Mike Tyson wannabe boyfriend yet? Did your mother finally leave your back handing father? Many of us are quick to comment on celebrity relationships, but are we as vocal with our immediate friends and family? My tenure at the domestic violence unit at the Philadelphia D.A.’s office as a student at Temple University, and volunteering for a women’s legal help line has made me mad about domestic violence. In 2001, my relative Crystal May who was 4’9” and 73 lbs. lived with my grandparents until she found a Bronx boyfriend. That boyfriend claimed that Demons possessed him and told him to kill her in the most inhumane way imaginable that I just can’t type. (Bronx DA.Net) http://www.bronxda.net/docs/ar2001bxda.pdf.

Some women do support their sisters, but most men will remain friends, or never intervene if they know a male buddy, brother, or father is violent towards their mate. Silence is acceptance. Mr. Joe Torre refuses to remain silent. The Safe at Home Foundation’s Margaret’s Place makes it possible for children to feel safe about talking about domestic violence. The foundation provides a counselor in safe rooms named after Mr. Torre’s mother in schools across the tri-state area. Mr. Torre told me that, “this has been a very touchy subject that no one has really talked about for years. It’s also important to me that my mom’s name is still out there, and that I can help children, like she helped us. I don’t think anyone wants to live in fear. I grew up as very nervous youngster.”

Instead of sitting on the bench with this issue, New York Yankee’s socially conscientious slugger Derek Jeter asserts that this issue “is important” for men to discuss. Jeter formed his Turn 2 Foundation to help out kids as well. He believes that talking about domestic violence is important. Jeter informed me that “It’s an issue that hits home with Mr. Torre because of the issues he faced when growing up, he’s taking that opportunity to go out and educate people, using that platform to help out. I think it’s very important.” He then went on to say that if one of the kids from his organization needed a counselor “he wouldn’t hesitate at all” to refer them to the Margaret’s Place. There is a need for more athletes like Derek Jeter and Stephon Marbury who form active organizations that are not just tax write-offs.

Kerry Rhodes, super safety of the NY Jets, has imitated their blue print of charity by creating The Rhodes Foundation to Reaffirm Hopes Of Dream Endearing Scholars living in America’s impoverished neighborhoods. Rhodes and I discussed the importance of educating our youth. Rhodes graduated from University of Louisville with a degree in communications and theater. An amazing actor, Kerry Rhodes will play a role in the new movie about VH1 and WBLS-FM host Wendy Williams’ film biography.

Men, please share with me your honest views on men who beat women, and the women who accept it. Please, post below your comments below.

From now on I will list a thank you to every one who helps this girl from Nyack get exclusive interviews. Every writer should. Plus, it saves on postage!

Thanks…
-Ray Tamarra
-Sabrina Tanenbaum, Goodman PR
-Neeta Wooten, Publicist for Kerry Rhodes, Ideal PR
-Jason Zillo, N.Y. Yankee Publicist
-My grandmother “Mother” & mother “Ma”
-Crystal May, R.I.P.

Next on ItsInNY: The controversial book The 40 Million Dollar Slave, race in Sports, more on the sexy Kerry Rhodes, some celebrity stories to make us smile.

http://www.ItsInNY.com with Stephanie Taylor
E: stephanie@itsinny.com
P:(845)353-1954

Mail:
It!s Media Group
P.O. Box 253
Nyack, NY 10960

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By Stephanie Taylor on 11/27/2006[read on] [4 comments]

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