CHARLESTON, SC – (04/5/2021)
Over lunch, media executives LaDonna Andrews of Kirkman Broadcasting and Vanessa Gongora of Norsan Media discussed the strong intersection of social issues that affect both Black and Brown communities disproportionately in the Lowcountry. Both women decided there was more they could do to support the local nonprofits that serve their communities yet often lacked the promotional budgets to get their message out there.
Recognizing that April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, they quickly found through research that Latina and African American women are less likely to seek help from law officials and law enforcement, along with other alarming statistics.
On behalf of Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S., Andrews and Gongora approached the Charleston County Sherriff’s Office and Bleecker Family Law, requesting that they sponsor a strong awareness media campaign for the sexual assault prevention resources that are available to these communities. To both sponsors, it was a perfect match and a timely cause.
Sheriff Kristin Graziano believes that, “As public servants, we must think forward and extend our support and resources to our diverse communities of African American and Latinx women. These victims often do not report sexual assaults, and as stakeholders in our community, we must advocate for a safe environment for our black and brown women through inclusiveness, awareness, and support.”
Similarly, Bleecker Family Law felt this was an important opportunity.
“Bleecker Family Law is a female-led firm and as 40% of South Carolina women report at least one experience of sexual violence during their lifetime, we’re proud to partner with local radio stations to raise awareness, share resources and help support women.”
Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S Executive Director was pleasantly surprised at how quickly all parties came together to support their mission. “We are so grateful to have the support of Sheriff Graziano and Bleecker Family Law as we work to remove barriers for Black and Brown women who have been impacted by sexual violence. For every 15 black women who are raped, only one reports her assault and with 1 in 6 Latina women experiencing victimization in their lifetime, it is important that we create a safe space for women to come forward and get the support they need to start their healing journey, “said Russell.
The media campaign launches 4/5/21 and promotes the nonprofit’s direct services through a campaign on both Norsan Media radio, (La Raza 103.9 FM and Latina 95.5 FM), as well as Kirkman Broadcasting radio, (WJNI 106.3 FM and Old Skool 92.1 FM). Informal interviews between sponsors and Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. run throughout the month on radio and digital channels.
Andrews and Gongora are excited to support other deserving nonprofits in this way. If you are interested in collaborating in such an effort, as a benefiting nonprofit organization or a sponsor, please contact LaDonna Andrews at ladonna@kirkmanbroadcasting.com or Vanessa Gongora at vgongora@norsanmedia.com.
About The Partners
Norsan Media provides Spanish-language content through a 360 suite of media assets that create a positive impact on the development of emerging Hispanic communities. The company owns and operates 28 radio stations, 3 TV stations, 3 weekly digital and printed publications in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.
Kirkman Broadcasting is the only Charleston, South Carolina Owned and Operated company providing Sports, Entertainment and Music programming for well over 25 years. Our Heritage Brands along with our newly formatted and emerging radio stations intentionally cater to the adult population 30 years and older in the greater Charleston Metropolitan. We have 9 radio stations serving Charleston’s local community. We are your local radio specialists.
Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. (formerly People Against Rape), is one of the oldest rape crisis centers in the Carolinas, as well as one of the oldest in the country. Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. is the leading authority on sexual violence and the region’s most vocal expert when it comes to preventing, educating, advocating and supporting adult survivors of sexual violence throughout their healing journey. The organization serves the Tri-County area of the Lowcountry and its 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (843) 745-0144 is available 365 days a year with trained advocates available to answer calls from victims, survivors, friends, and family members of sexual assault victims. Follow Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or visit Tricountyspeaks.org.
Charleston County Sheriff’s Office understands the necessity to hear victims of crime and advocate for ways to change conversations about sexual violence, support survivors and prevent sexual violence. By helping the community understand root causes and promote support we hope to be an intricate part of survivors feeling supported in their time of crisis. We are thankful to be a part of a collaborative effort to bring awareness to prevention and support in all of our communities.
Since 1997, Bleecker Family Law’s focus has been on South Carolina family law. Located in Charleston, the law firm represents clients in all South Carolina Family Courts, the Court of Appeals, and the South Carolina Supreme Court. Whether you have a straightforward issue, high-income complex divorce case, a difficult custody dispute, or need a mediator or arbitrator to help you resolve a family law dispute, our attorneys are available to assist and guide you. Bleecker Family Law’s lawyers support you throughout the process. We will advise you of your options at every step, make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your case, and help you maintain perspective while dealing with your Family Court matter.