“Real Men Don’t Hit program, an online curriculum bringing awareness from the male perspective, currently implemented in 4 school districts and 5 schools, serving over 200 boys“
The Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation 2nd Annual Fifty Shades of Purple Charity Gala, was held on July 27, 2024, at The Carmel Room with the theme, “Together We Can End Domestic Violence, five.”
Five community leaders were honored including Wilfred Pickney, deputy director of the Office of Violence Prevention, 14th Ward Alderman Rasheen Aldrige, and Tracey Berry-McGhee, therapist and founder of the Define Me movement.
“ Tracey Berry-McGhee is receiving the Global Impact Award,” said Shantasha Love, Foundation business manager, “[because] she has been such a pivotal part of our Real Men Don’t Hit program, helping to implement it in area schools.
Love said that the 14th ward alderman is the organization’s biggest cheerleader– “He supports the mission and the work of Diamond Diva Empowerment,” said Love.
Funds raised will benefit the Empowerment Certification, an eight-week hands-on program addressing the effects of domestic violence through a self-awareness approach. 18 participants are enrolled.
Also, funds will go towards the Real Men Don’t Hit program, an online curriculum bringing awareness from the male perspective, currently implemented in 4 school districts and 5 schools, serving over 200 boys. The charity gala is a form of awareness to highlight other types of domestic violence not just the physical side.
Last year the gala focused on the physical, emotional, and financial abuse of DV–which is the meaning behind the gala, the 50 shades represent the many types of DV.
The silent auction had some amazing pieces, a Louis Vuitton purse which had everyone buzzing about it, and a painting of St. Louis by local artist Dexter Silvers. Diamond Divas hopes everyone at the gala saw the work it takes to have an initial DV organization. A lot of people fleeing these types of situations leave with no money, housing, car, etc.
Some leave with just the clothes on their back. Co-founder and Director of Programs, Dr. Bran-dee Jelks said 52% of DV victims fleeing from their homes will eventually end up homeless, Diamond Divas Pathway to Housing program helps survivors with housing by paying first and last month’s rent. Also, the organization helps with emergency safe haven housing for up to two weeks. Their Pathway to Prosperity Program helps survivors who want to become an entrepreneur. According to Jelks, 30% of the individuals that come to Diamond Divas have some type of side hustle, “an entrepreneurial spirit,” she said, describing them. They offer courses to help legitimize their business so they can become financially independent.
Eddie Ross, founder and CEO of Diamond Divas, said St. Louis is ranked 7 in the country for DV, the Real Men Don’t Hit Program teaches self-regulating and coping skills. “ We started as a grassroots organization, we started with our boots on the ground.”
Ross and other team members of the organization would visit shelters to figure out where they could help fill in the gap with much-needed services. “This is why this gala is so important,” said Love. “This year the experience is better, and my goal is to help raise the funds needed for our programs.”