A couple of weeks ago I decided to volunteer for a nonprofit organization called the Women’s Center of greater Lansing. The Women’s Center is an organization dedicated to helping women overcome domestic violence issues they face. I originally joined this thinking I would only be writing a couple of articles about the events that were soon to come, but before my eyes a bigger picture evolved in just one night. The night I’m talking about was the domestic violence awareness month candlelight vigil. At first, I didn’t want to go because in the back of my mind I knew I would be the only black male there based on the topic. I also didn’t want to go because I felt maybe some women there maybe would feel men didn’t belong at such a historical and exclusive event. Walking in the door my mind was saying “I bet you never thought you’d be here”, as I envisioned my 300 pounds, 6’’ 2’ self trying to hide in a corner with people who are at least a foot shorter than me. I stood there listening to some of the historical moments the women succeeded in. Then came the sad part, the walk. Here I am standing in front of women statues in darkness with one candle bright enough to read the plague on the chest of the manikin. I’m in this line reading these stories about their horrific stories and situations they encountered and sadly out of every story I read none of them came out alive. Coming from a personal experience standing in a room as a male and looking at the wonderful, beautiful women around me that either knew someone hurt by a male or hurt they was really disappointing and embarrassing. Looking at myself in the mirror and seeing that I am clearly capable of committing domestic violence has left an astonishing feeling and a hurtful sorrow. It makes me feel like I’ve done something wrong even though I consider myself right, I don’t believe what the men do to women is right and I know by the grace of god one it will be permanently justified. Overall, it’s morally wrong and for those who struggle with such violence in your life I pray that you can overcome all obstacles just please, hold on to faith. Hold on to belief that you can achieve anything and just because the blow you land on life doesn’t seem to pierce the skin, don’t think it didn’t make the mark that was intended. Until next time, keep hope.

Marcel rich