On Thursday April 20 at 7:00 pm, YWCA Greenwich is hosting a powerful conversation with Drea Kelly: dancer, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and ex-wife of singer R. Kelly.
To mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Kelly is set to discuss her experience with sexual assault, domestic violence, and becoming a voice for the voiceless.
“It’s important that women are supported to even feel like they have the strength to come forward and tell their stories. If they’re still victim shaming, victim blaming, and women being afraid to speak the truth, we can never get to a court system where justice can be served,” Ms Kelly said in a release.
This in-person event will raise critical awareness for domestic violence and sexual assault, which are prevalent crimes within the Greenwich community.
“Survivors of intimate partner violence travel a long and, often, treacherous journey to emerge from abuse. Drea shares her compelling story openly and with grace to help us understand some of the challenges and victories she’s had along the way, and is a dynamic and authentic inspiration to us all,” said Meredith Gold, Director of Domestic Abuse Services at YWCA Greenwich.
During this event, there will also be a special announcement about the launch of Sexual Assault Services by YWCA Greenwich.
YWCA Greenwich is currently the sole local provider of domestic violence services such as crisis intervention, multilingual services, emergency shelter, financial literacy coaching and more for victims and their children. All services are confidential and free of charge.
To register for the event, please visit www.ywcagrn.org/dreakelly. Tickets are $15 for YWCA Greenwich members and $25 for non-members. If financial assistance is needed, please contact Rennie Peterkin at [email protected].
Andrea “Drea” Kelly is a well-known dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, actress, motivational speaker, and reality TV star. She transformed her personal experiences of marital abuse and heartache into a relentless crusade of being “a voice for the voiceless.” Not allowing the power and fame of her abuser to stop her, she proudly promotes domestic violence awareness and shares her testimony through her advocacy and motivational speaking. But long before she stunned the world with her story of bravery and resilience, she was gaining notoriety as a principal dancer and choreographer.
Born a dancer, Drea Kelly first rose to fame as a Brown ballerina from the Southside of Chicago, studying under the guidance of Joe Hall. She quickly grew her performance repertoire to be recognized as an award-winning celebrity choreographer, principal dancer, and actress. Her long list of choreographing for celebrities can be seen in music videos, award shows and national and international tours.
Founded in 1919, YWCA Greenwich is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA Greenwich provides programs for people of all ages and genders with initiatives that include preschool and after school programs, aquatics programs, youth athletics, health and fitness programs and seminars focusing on racial justice and women’s empowerment.
Additionally, YWCA Greenwich is the only provider of domestic abuse services in Greenwich, with staff who are licensed to provide crisis intervention, counseling, shelter, and victim advocacy. These services are free.