November 2, 2009

Huge turn-out expected for tomorrow’s Community Healing Event and Candlelight Vigil at Richmond High School

For more information contact:
Nadeen Elshorafa – Youth Together, Cell  310-951-5465
Terrance Cheung – Chief of Staff, Cell  415-990-2087

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What:                Community Healing Event

Where:        Richmond High School (back Football Field), 1250 23rd Street, Richmond, CA

Who:                Students, Teachers, Community leaders including WCCUSD Superintendent Bruce Harter, WCCUSD Board Members Tony Thurmond & Antonio Medrano, County Supervisor John Gioia, Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin

When:         Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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RICHMOND, Calif., Hundreds of residents, youth, and community leaders are expected to attend tomorrow’s “Healing Event and Candlelight Vigil” that’s being organized by students and teachers at Richmond High School.

The horrific October 24th gang rape of the 15-year-old student that has outraged the nation has also called into action students and teachers at the school.

“We’re helping our students create a safe space for them to express their feelings,” said biology teacher Lorna McClellan.  “Many of our students have been impacted by the way their school has been portrayed and by how they’ve been portrayed by the media.”

Tomorrow’s event includes music, dance, the spoken word by youth poets, and will end with a candlelight vigil to show support for the rape victim and healing for the community.

“This is about Richmond, San Pablo and the community coming together,” said Norma Bautista, a Richmond High Senior.  “We don’t support walking by and doing nothing.  We don’t support violence.  We want the nation to know we’re good people.”

Speakers include the School Superintendent, School Board Members, County Supervisor John Gioia, and Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin.

Family members of the rape victim are expected to speak prior to the candlelight vigil.

Donations for the Richmond High School rape victim may be sent to: Richmond High Jane Doe, account number 041-30-1188, Mechanics Bank, 3170 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond, CA  94806.