Survivor: (noun) a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died. That’s webster’s definition, but we at I Hear That Girl define survivor as Tamiko Lawry-Pugh! A victim of domestic violence herself (Mrs. Pugh) learned to live life as a survivor which prompted her to launch the #StillStanding Foundation. This foundation helps abused women turn their lives around one loving step at a time.
The setting for the evening was all of that befitting a survivors party: Purple Affair: Honoring Survivors of Domestic Violence, with the color purple as the theme color. The banquet style setting featured a live band and guest singers. Survivors and those who accompanied them were all adorned in their purple gowns, serving us life honey!! All in attendance went through hell & high water, some giving their personal testimonies of how they nearly died at the hands of their abusers.
Take for instance, Ms. Nikki Payne, who’s husband shot and killed their 2 year old daughter and 7 year old son before turning the gun on himself. “He didn’t just kill himself, but he killed me to.”
Mrs. April Kelly, who was sexually abused by a man at her church. He used God to control her and made her feel that it was God’s will for them to be together.
“Imagine my surprise when I found out he was living a double life. He used to be a pimp who wined & dined young girls to lure them into a relationship with him.”
Mrs. Tamiko Pugh, whose ex-husband beat her to within an inch of her life on the side of the interstate; “People were blowing their horns and swerving trying not to hit me. Then a couple stopped an told me they saw everything, called the police, and helped me to safety. Y’all I could’ve died that night.”
These were just some of the powerful testimonies of the night.
Also featured at the Purple Affair was a live & silent auction. Some of the items were authentic autographed pictures of the nation’s 44th President, Barack Obama, the legendary late great Muhamad Ali, and actor Will Smith. Drawings by Olympian artist Jessie Russel who drew a portrait of 1st Lady Michelle Obama.
The best highlights of the evening goes the #StillStandingFoundation Fashion Models these victors strutted their way across the purple runway with grace & confidence letting the world know, “I SURVIVED!”
Special guest of the evening included host and Fox 5 Atlanta’s own Ms. Lisa Raham.
Congrats on the success of this great event. Mrs. Tamiko Lawry-Pugh , staff, and survivors, “We Hear That Girl!”
