Peekskill Flash Mob Puts Spotlight on Violence Against Women

A crowd of more than 100 people packed onto front of the Hays Plaza in Peekskill Thursday for One Billion Rising, a global day action held in recognition of V-Day.

V-Day, which is held in conjunction with Valentines Day, is a movement started by Eve Ensler, the author of the Vagina Monologues, to shed a light on acts of violence committed against women.  Communities throughout the world held events in support of the movement.

The EMBARK Center in Peekskill helped organized local activities, including a dance flash mob to the campaign song “Break the Chain.”

“We received the help of Children’s Theater of Peekskill,” said Sol Miranda, co-founder of EMBARK. “Ridvan Foxhall, who is the theater director, and EMBARK’s various instructors taught the dance at the Peekskill Middle School and elementary schools as well as the Salvation Army’s youth group and the city Youth Bureau.”

Organizers also held a session at the EMBARK Center Tuesday to prepare people for the flash mob.

“Mayor Mary Foster also helped us out a lot,” said Katie Schimdt Fede, executive director of EMBARK. “She’s the one who let us know about this and encouraged us to do something.”

In addition to the flash mob, the Victim’s Assistance Service office in Peekskill handed out information and the Rev. Stephany Graham, of Peekskill Presbyterian Church, led a prayer. Members of the city Common Council were also in attendance.

Donations were collected for Hope’s Door, an organization which provides shelter and other services for victims of domestic violence, during the event.

A recording of the day's events is attached to this story, courtesy of Mike Miner.