BRIDGEPORT, CT — Beverly Gooden, award-winning activist, author, and creator of the viral #WhyIStayed movement, will be the keynote speaker for The Center for Family Justice’s 28th annual Speaking of Women luncheon, to be held at The Waterview, 215 Roosevelt Dr., on Sept. 9. The event is presented by M&T Bank.
Gooden will share her deeply personal journey as a survivor and thriver of domestic violence and the global impact of her advocacy, offering a compelling message of resilience, awareness and empowerment.
Gooden rose to national prominence in 2014 when she launched the hashtag #WhyIStayed, a groundbreaking social media campaign that gave voice to survivors of domestic violence and challenged the public’s understanding of abuse.
Her work has been featured on “Good Morning America,” CNN, The New York Times and TIME Magazine, and has sparked critical conversations around victim-blaming and the complexities of abusive relationships.
The hashtag was used over 100,000 times in just two days and was later recognized by TIME and Forbes as one of the most influential social change hashtags of the year.
Gooden also founded the Ella Mae Foundation, which supports children and women’s rights, and launched the Bolt Bag Project, providing emergency escape bags for survivors fleeing from abuse.
Speaking of Women is an annual gathering celebrating the strength, achievements and stories of women from all walks of life. This year’s theme, “Voices of Courage,” aligns powerfully with Gooden’s mission to uplift survivors and advocate for systemic change.
“I believe in the power of storytelling. I believe that we find strength in community,” said Gooden. “That is why I created #WhyIStayed.”
Anna Zap, of Star 99.9’s “The Anna and Raven Show,” returns for her eighth year as our master of ceremonies. This year, we also will honor Cindi Bigelow, president and CEO of Bigelow Tea, for her longstanding support of CFJ’s mission and her invaluable contributions to our community.
Attendees can expect an inspiring keynote that not only sheds light on the realities of domestic violence, but encourages collective responsibility in creating safe, supportive communities.
Speaking of Women raises vital funds allowing CFJ staff to continue to provide free, confidential, trauma-informed wraparound services for anyone experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse. Tickets are available for the luncheon at bit.ly/cfjsow25.
About The Center for Family Justice
CFJ’s mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence, sexual violence and child abuse by providing services and care that create hope, restore lives and drive social change through education and community collaboration.
The center’s services include the operation of a 24-hour crisis hotline and an emergency safe house for survivors of domestic violence, as well as comprehensive supportive services for those seeking to rebuild their lives after trauma. These services include safety planning, support groups and self-sufficiency programs.
Our programs also feature our Prevention and Education program, a Child Advocacy Center, and The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport and Pathways to HOPE programs for youth ages 7-17.
The towns CFJ serve include Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.
For information and to get help, visit centerforfamilyjustice.org or call 203-334-6154. CFJ is located at 753 Fairfield Ave. in Bridgeport. Walk in hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
24/7 Hotline Numbers:
- Domestic violence (203) 384-9559
- Sexual abuse (203) 333-2233
- Spanish (203) 568-8332
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