FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George's Community College Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Annual Purple Light Nights Ceremony
PGCC TV’s “Community Voices, Purple Light Nights Edition” to Air September 29
LARGO, Md. (September 29, 2023) Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) held its annual Purple Light Nights Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, September 28, at the Novak Field House Courtyard on the College’s main campus in Largo, Maryland. Co-sponsored by the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, Purple Light Nights raises awareness of the harmful effects of domestic violence, uniting advocates and survivors in support of collective change.
This year’s event theme was “Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence! End the Silence!” The ceremony featured a keynote address by Brielle Bucksell from Pain to Power, Inc. Additional speakers included Dr. Falecia D. Williams, Prince George’s Community College president; John D.B. Carr, Prince George’s County sheriff; Steven L. Upathambhakul, Prince George’s County assistant sheriff; and Tony Ruffin, Pepco manager of government relations and external affairs.
“Too often, we’re quiet because we don’t think it is any of our business or because we don’t think our intervention will matter,” Dr. Falecia D. Williams said. “But I encourage us to see and say, ‘Stand firm against the abuses that we know are ravaging in our communities.’”
This year’s awards honorees were Kevin Bastion, Latisha Carter, Judge Ada Clark-Edwards, Judge Dorsainvil, Luann Edwards, Jessica Garth, Gabby Parson, Alicia Stukes, Captain Kelly W. Faris, Genesis Covenant Church, and two PGCC employees: Megan Henderson, Event Management Coordinator of Auxiliary Services and Event Management, and Miriam J. Machado-Luces, Senior Producer of PGCC TV.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, and intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes. Purple Light Nights was founded in 2014 to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month and raise a unified voice against domestic violence in communities.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center hotline at 301-780-8008.
Television Special: Community Voices, Purple Light Nights Edition
A half-hour television special titled “Community Voices, Purple Light Nights Edition” will air on PGCC TV’s YouTube channel, Comcast Cable Channel 75, and Verizon Cable Channel 44 on Friday, September 29, at 7 p.m. In this special, learn about resources for domestic violence victims, the rise of cyber abuse led by nationally renowned expert Dr. Mikiba Morehead, and hear stories from college student survivors of domestic violence.
“Community Voices, Purple Light Nights Edition” is produced by PGCC TV in partnership with the PGCC Campus Police and the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office.
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About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree, and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
For more information, visit the College’s website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education.