October is a Month of Awareness
By Theresa M Racine
Every year, we have several activists that host domestic violence awareness events in the Rockaways. The month of October is a month to raise awareness for things like breast cancer and domestic violence. One event at the beginning of the month is the 5K B-CAUZE run/walk on Saturday, October 5. The event is for all causes that people feel passionate about, whether its domestic violence, breast cancer awareness or anything else. It is run by Queen’s Royal Priesthood, with Rosalyn Mason and Queen Esther Arroyo, and the run/walk starts at Beach 90th at 11 a.m. and ends at Beach 17th Street, where they have an event to present prizes for first, second and third place winners, as well as raffles and food. B-cauze is in its seventh year for this passionate event. All are welcomed to come walk, run, eat and celebrate with us for your own cause.
You will find other events going on throughout the month of October. On October 11 and 12 there will be two events held by Xtrememeasure.org and Ocean Bay Cornerstone Community Center, at 57-10 Beach Channel Drive in Arverne. The first one on October 11 is a presentation of the film, “A Cry for Help,” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is a very powerful film that sheds light on domestic violence, offering hope and support to survivors. Viewer discretion is advised. The film explores sensitive themes, but the message encourages awareness, strength and the importance of seeking help. There will be a keynote speaker before the movie who works for Queens Community Justice Center-The Rockaways who is a survivor of domestic violence. The second event on October 12 is a community-based forum which will have survivors on the panel, as well as activists who fight against domestic violence. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ocean Bay. Moises Reyes with Valiance Karate will be sharing self-defense moves to help us protect ourselves. And Shane B. Kulman, an educator, entertainer, enchantress, Rockaway resident and our powerful keynote speaker, will be speaking about thriving after the abuse, sharing different techniques and much more.
Xtrememeasure will have a third event, which will be held at St. Rose of Lima on Beach 84th Street on Friday, October 25. In its second year, the theme of this domestic violence awareness event is surviving to thriving. Last year, this event was a hit as everyone dressed up like Tina Turner and performed and watched a movie. This year, DJ Rhythm Selector J, will be spinning the tunes of Rhianna, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and Prince. We will be dressing up and giving out prizes for the best performances and best outfits. This event will include a zumba class by Veronica Caicedo, and another workout class held by Seph Figueroa There will be resources at all the events, as well as snacks and drinks. This year’s movie is “I Can Only Imagine,” another powerful film on forgiveness. There will be speakers throughout the night and interactive tables this event starts at 4 p.m. and will go to 9 p.m.
