Monday, October 19, 2009

My World Tuesday #53: "Deafening Silence"


"Every.Nine.Seconds."
Raleigh, NC - October 2009 (Click to embiggen)

Be a virtual tour guide on That's My World Tuesday

"Silent, But Not Without a Voice"
Raleigh, NC - October 2009 (Click to embiggen)

Be a virtual tour guide on That's My World Tuesday

By now you may be tired of hearing about the Silent March that didn't quite make it in time for last week's MWT Edition. (Deal with it.) But while some of you were reading my thoughts on the virtues of Tate Street Coffee House, I was witnessing something at once sobering and uplifting. For perhaps 30 minutes, an estimated 50 people marched in a silent parade from the front of the Wake County Courthouse, down to the corner of Fayetteville and Davie Streets, then back up Fayetteville Street to Martin Street. A silent procession, staged partly to mourn and remember someone most of the participants had never met. Staged partly for the memory of Jammie Shantel Street, partly for the support of her sister who was among the crowd, but mainly to keep a spotlight focused on the pervasive and growing problem of domestic violence.

The marchers did not shout slogans, they did not sing protest songs, they did not wail and hurl invective at the universe or the courts under whose windows they marched. They carried hand-lettered signs to inform the onlookers of their purpose, and marched in a deafening quietude up the block in front of the courthouse, and down it in front of the WTVD Channel 11 studios. One pass, two, the sound of footsteps the only accompaniment to their unspoken words. A third pass, and a fourth and a few of the onlookers murmured support. How many circuits they completed I couldn't say. I lost count in trying to capture the quiet, dignified determination in their faces. I only knew that I was witnessing something extraordinary, and that I needed to get these shots right. Because this was important. People need to know. They need to see.

That was my lunch hour for Tuesday, October 13, 2009. My father was -- both personally and professionally -- a staunch supporter of InterAct during his life. And October 13, 2009 would have been his 77th birthday. I think he would have approved.


Stumble This!

22 comments:

Memphis MOJO said...

Great photos, even better write-up.

tiff said...

Horrifying statistic...

Well made photos.

Carver said...

Powerful image for the terrible blight of domestic violence. Great post below about this march.

Sylvia K said...

Yes indeed, Mojo, those are powerful images indeed and a powerful post as well. And domestic violence is most definitely a blight on our country, but all the more on those who have suffered, are suffering from domestic violence. Thanks for saying what needed saying.

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

a very powerful statement they made. thought provoking post...

Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers said...

Yes indeed, a very powerful protest. More so than if they had been shouting abuse, I think. Great post.
Janice.

Anonymous said...

Good protest.
Luiz Ramos

B i r g i t t a said...

Pictures and text is powerful :)

Snap said...

Powerful, powerful post with photos. Thank you.

Martha Z said...

A powerful post about a subject many woul like to ignore.

eileeninmd said...

Great post on an important issue. Thanks for sharing and for being a supporter.

marcia@joyismygoal said...

sobering and powerful; and how you shot the first picture faceless - but I love that these folks are putting a face to this awfulness-I hope it helps women realize to leave, police to intervene sooner and most of all for abusers to STOP

Maude Lynn said...

Nice work. Very nice work.

SandyCarlson said...

Nice to see her again. An important reminder.

Larry D said...

Nice work, excellent post!

Arija said...

Thank you for sharing this, it obviously touched your heart.

Marites said...

i've known people involved in domestic violence and I truly support the protests against it. This is a great post accompanied with powerful photos.

magiceye said...

well captured..
poignant...
and yes.. would have made your father feel good

Maggie, Dammit said...

Beautiful.

I have no doubt your father is so proud of the gift you continue to be.

Anonymous said...

Domestic or any kind of violence for that matter makes me cringe. There will never be justification for it. Great capture.

Oman said...

we had our share of silent protests and i am proud to have witnessed the edsa revolution which is a non-violent people power revolution. great shots as always.

maryt/theteach said...

Those people are to be congratulated! And yes, your father would have been proud, Mojo! :)